BCCI Explains Contract Changes for Kohli & Sharma
The BCCI has clarified the reasons behind the potential demotion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to a lower central contract category, while assuring no pay cut for Jasprit Bumrah as they simplify their contract structure.
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BCCI Official Reveals Reason Behind Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Central Contract Demotion
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a major overhaul in its central contract system for the 2025–26 season, a move that has sparked widespread discussion—especially around the future contract status of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
While the word “demotion” may sound alarming to fans, a senior BCCI official has clarified that the change is structural rather than performance-based, aimed at simplifying the contract framework in line with modern cricketing realities.
Why BCCI Is Changing the Central Contract Structure
Since 2018, the BCCI has followed a four-tier contract system:
A+ Category – ₹7 crore per year
A Category – ₹5 crore per year
B Category – ₹3 crore per year
C Category – ₹1 crore per year
The A+ category, introduced during the tenure of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), is now set to be scrapped entirely.
New Contract Categories (From 2025–26)
Under the new proposal, players will be grouped into only three categories:
A Category
B Category
C Category
The objective is clear:
👉 Reward multi-format players while keeping the system simpler and more transparent.
Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Are Likely to Move to Category B
In the previous cycle, only four players were placed in the top category:
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah
Ravindra Jadeja
No Pay Cut for Jasprit Bumrah and Top All-Format Players
Despite concerns about pay reductions, the BCCI has made it clear that there will be no pay cut for key all-format players.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Position Remains Secure
Continues as India’s all-format pace leader
Central to workload-managed plans
Will remain in the top A category
Expected annual retainer: ₹7 crore
“Someone like Bumrah, who remains one of the few all-format players, will continue to be placed in the highest category,” the official added.
Shubman Gill to Feature in the Top Category
India’s current Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill, is also expected to feature in the A category, reflecting his growing leadership role and consistent presence across formats.
This signals a generational shift in Indian cricket, where leadership and multi-format availability are being prioritized.
Other All-Format Players Who Could Benefit
Several players active across formats stand to gain from the revamped structure:
Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist spinner (Tests, ODIs, T20Is)
Axar Patel – All-rounder (multi-format regular)
Washington Sundar – Emerging all-rounder
Previously:
Axar and Kuldeep were in Category B
Washington Sundar was in Category C
With consistent all-format participation, these players could move up in the new system.
Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Face a Salary Cut?
Technically, yes—but context matters.
Category B is expected to carry a revised pay structure
The BCCI may rebalance payouts across categories
Kohli and Rohit will still earn significant match fees and endorsements
Most importantly:
👉 This is not a reflection of declining performance, but a policy decision based on format availability.
When Will the New Central Contracts Be Announced?
The proposal will be ratified at the next BCCI Apex Council meeting
Official announcement expected shortly after approval
Contracts will apply to the 2025–26 season
Why This Change Matters for Indian Cricket
The revamped contract policy highlights a clear shift in BCCI’s priorities:
Encouraging multi-format commitment
Simplifying administrative complexity
Aligning rewards with workload and availability
Preparing for a future with specialist format players
This model mirrors trends seen in modern international cricket, where fewer players play all three formats consistently.
Final Verdict
The “demotion” of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is not a downgrade of legacy, but a restructuring of the system. Their contribution to Indian cricket remains unmatched, but the BCCI is adapting its policies to evolving realities.
With the removal of the A+ category, multi-format players like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill emerge as the biggest beneficiaries, while senior stars transition into more specialized roles.
FAQs
❓ Why is BCCI removing the A+ category?
To simplify the contract structure and better reflect format participation.
❓ Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being punished?
No. The decision is purely based on the number of formats they play.
❓ Will Jasprit Bumrah’s salary be reduced?
No. Bumrah will remain in the top category with no pay cut.
❓ When will the new contracts come into effect?
From the 2025–26 season, after Apex Council approval.