The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its contract list with 34 players being selected across four categories. In top contract category A+ players are automatic choice in all three formats and the list features four players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.
Out of the four players, Rohit, Virat and Jadeja have already announced their retirement from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. Hence, the question came up that how retired players could be a part of top category if they no longer play a format.
Also Read - <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-kkr-mentor-bravo-criticises-top-orders-batters-rahane-iyer-rinku-defends-andre-russell-8989143" aria-label="IPL 2025 | KKR mentor Bravo lashes out at top order batters in defence of out-of-form Russell">IPL 2025 | KKR mentor Bravo lashes out at top order batters in defence of out-of-form Russell</a>
<h2>Why Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja were offered A+ contract despite retiring from T20Is?</h2>
Speaking to news agency PTI, an official said on condition on anonymity: "The period of fresh central contract is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. But the assessment year is October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja played the T20 World Cup final in June, 2024 and hence at that time, they were all-format regulars. Going by that technicality, they are supposed to be in A+ category."&nbsp;
"Similarly, Ishan (2 World Cup matches) and Shreyas played 15 ODIs and a handful Tests in the 2023-24 season and hence got their respective categories," he added.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan got back into the contract set up after missing out last year while Rishabh Pant, who was in B category last year, has been promoted to A category.
Players get INR 7 crore yearly for being in A+ category, INR 5 crore in A category, INR 3 crore in B category and INR 1 crore in C category.
The BCCI has also included seven players in the contract list for the first time as well. These are - Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana.

Out of the four players in A+ category, Rohit, Virat and Jadeja have already announced their retirement from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. Cricket Sports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its contract list with 34 players being selected across four categories. In top contract category A+ players are automatic choice in all three formats and the list features four players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. Out of the four players, Rohit, Virat and Jadeja have already announced their retirement from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. Hence, the question came up that how retired players could be a part of top category if they no longer play a format. Also Read - IPL 2025 | KKR mentor Bravo lashes out at top order batters in defence of out-of-form Russell Why Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja were offered A+ contract despite retiring from T20Is? Speaking to news agency PTI, an official said on condition on anonymity: "The period of fresh central contract is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. But the assessment year is October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Kohli, Rohit and Jadeja played the T20 World Cup final in June, 2024 and hence at that time, they were all-format regulars. Going by that technicality, they are supposed to be in A+ category." "Similarly, Ishan (2 World Cup matches) and Shreyas played 15 ODIs and a handful Tests in the 2023-24 season and hence got their respective categories," he added. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan got back into the contract set up after missing out last year while Rishabh Pant, who was in B category last year, has been promoted to A category. Players get INR 7 crore yearly for being in A+ category, INR 5 crore in A category, INR 3 crore in B category and INR 1 crore in C category. The BCCI has also included seven players in the contract list for the first time as well. These are - Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana.

Why Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja got A+ contract from BCCI despite retiring from T20Is

It has been a topsy-turvy couple of days for the Indian duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer after they were snubbed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). On Wednesday (Feb 28), the BCCI announced its list for central contracts with both Ishan and Shreyas missing out on the annual deal. While their exclusion was based on their poor attitudes of not representing their domestic sides in favour of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a source close to the BCCI has said&nbsp;they could still land a central contract and a place in the national team.

<h2>Ishan, Shreyas could still earn a contract</h2>

"The selectors don't doubt their ability," a BCCI official told ESPNcricinfo. "But if the NCA is saying you are fit and you are not making yourself available for the Test series, how can the BCCI offer you a contract?

"After the IPL, if they happen to get selected and fulfill the criteria of the number of matches required for a pro-rata contract, they will be awarded a contract."

According to the announcement made on Wednesday, a player could yet earn a deal if he fulfills the criteria to earn a pro-rata contract. However, it also confirms that the duo would not get a contract at least until the T20 World Cup, if the BCCI decides otherwise.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-congratulate-the-bcci-kapil-dev-praises-national-board-for-safeguarding-domestic-cricket-695578">'I congratulate the BCCI': Kapil Dev praises national board for safeguarding domestic cricket</a>

<h2>What prompted BCCI to take action?</h2>

Ishan during the South Africa tour opted to miss the Test series having been down the pecking order in the Playing XI and was reportedly spotted in UAE at a party. He would later miss matches for his domestic side Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy despite being passed fit. His desire to focus on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) and not show up for domestic duties did not go well with the BCCI which prompted the action.

For Shreyas, he was part of the Indian team for the opening two Test matches against England but complained of back spasms. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) declared Shreyas fit, but he too like Ishan refrained from representing Mumbai or India.

It has been a topsy-turvy couple of days for the Indian duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer after they were snubbed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

It has been a topsy-turvy couple of days for the Indian duo of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer after they were snubbed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). On Wednesday (Feb 28), the BCCI announced its list for central contracts with both Ishan and Shreyas missing out on the annual deal. While their exclusion was based on their poor attitudes of not representing their domestic sides in favour of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a source close to the BCCI has said they could still land a central contract and a place in the national team. Ishan, Shreyas could still earn a contract "The selectors don't doubt their ability," a BCCI official told ESPNcricinfo. "But if the NCA is saying you are fit and you are not making yourself available for the Test series, how can the BCCI offer you a contract? "After the IPL, if they happen to get selected and fulfill the criteria of the number of matches required for a pro-rata contract, they will be awarded a contract." According to the announcement made on Wednesday, a player could yet earn a deal if he fulfills the criteria to earn a pro-rata contract. However, it also confirms that the duo would not get a contract at least until the T20 World Cup, if the BCCI decides otherwise. ALSO READ | 'I congratulate the BCCI': Kapil Dev praises national board for safeguarding domestic cricket What prompted BCCI to take action? Ishan during the South Africa tour opted to miss the Test series having been down the pecking order in the Playing XI and was reportedly spotted in UAE at a party. He would later miss matches for his domestic side Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy despite being passed fit. His desire to focus on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) and not show up for domestic duties did not go well with the BCCI which prompted the action. For Shreyas, he was part of the Indian team for the opening two Test matches against England but complained of back spasms. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) declared Shreyas fit, but he too like Ishan refrained from representing Mumbai or India.

Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan likely to get contracts on THIS condition, says BCCI source

When India's Test squad was announced for the ongoing home series versus Sri Lanka, a lot of changes came into place with many senior players being shown the door. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha were dropped as the BCCI selectors stressed on focusing on younger breed of players for grooming them in the purest format.

Despite being dropped, the doors have not been shut for Pujara and Rahane as per chief selector Chetan Sharma's statement. However, the duo have been demoted to Grade B, from Grade A, category in BCCI's central contracts list. On the other hand, Ishant and Saha are out-of-favour and it seems the two won't be in the scheme of things for Team India going forward. While Saha has been told that Rishabh Pant and KS Bharat will be preferred for the keeper's slot in whites, Ishant's future also looks gloomy.

Even though Ishant-Saha are out of contention, at least for now, they feature in BCCI contracts list. Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra explained why the pair have a central contract.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-top-earners-to-players-with-big-pay-cuts-bccis-new-central-contracts-list-for-2021-22-459987">From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22</a>

"Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha's names are also there in BCCI's central contracts. In fact, Ishant Sharma is at 3 crores. Are you wondering why? Why was Saha given a central contract when you have told him that you are not going to select him at all?" said the cricketer-turned-commentator on his&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;channel.

"It seems Ishant Sharma also has an extremely limited role left in Test cricket, so why is he in the 3-crores contract and not 1 crore? These are things that you wonder?&nbsp; These are the contracts from October 2021 to the upcoming September. That is why Saha has the right. He was India's player in this contract period. He scored runs for India in December, that is why his name is there in this list, same goes for Ishant Sharma, he was playing regularly," he opined.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-to-hardik-pandya-top-5-cricketing-superstars-with-most-instagram-followers-460635">From Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 cricketing superstars with most Instagram followers</a>

Chopra further added, "This could possibly be the last contract for Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. Will you see them playing after October - I am not 100% certain. They have already told Saha and it looks 50-50 for Ishant Sharma as well. I love him to bits but it seems the time has come for his exit."

For the unversed, BCCI's&nbsp;has four categories -- A+ which has annual remuneration of INR 7 crore (INR 70 million) while A, B and C categories are valued at INR 5 crore (INR 50 million), INR 3 crore (30 million) and INR 1 crore (10 crore) respectively. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah remain the highest earners whereas the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Md Siraj and Axar Patel have been promoted. In addition, Suryakumar Yadav is the only new entrant in the central contracts.

When India's Test squad was announced for the ongoing home series versus Sri Lanka, a lot of changes came into place with many senior players being shown the door.

When India's Test squad was announced for the ongoing home series versus Sri Lanka, a lot of changes came into place with many senior players being shown the door. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha were dropped as the BCCI selectors stressed on focusing on younger breed of players for grooming them in the purest format. Despite being dropped, the doors have not been shut for Pujara and Rahane as per chief selector Chetan Sharma's statement. However, the duo have been demoted to Grade B, from Grade A, category in BCCI's central contracts list. On the other hand, Ishant and Saha are out-of-favour and it seems the two won't be in the scheme of things for Team India going forward. While Saha has been told that Rishabh Pant and KS Bharat will be preferred for the keeper's slot in whites, Ishant's future also looks gloomy. Even though Ishant-Saha are out of contention, at least for now, they feature in BCCI contracts list. Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra explained why the pair have a central contract. ALSO READ | From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 "Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha's names are also there in BCCI's central contracts. In fact, Ishant Sharma is at 3 crores. Are you wondering why? Why was Saha given a central contract when you have told him that you are not going to select him at all?" said the cricketer-turned-commentator on his YouTube channel. "It seems Ishant Sharma also has an extremely limited role left in Test cricket, so why is he in the 3-crores contract and not 1 crore? These are things that you wonder? These are the contracts from October 2021 to the upcoming September. That is why Saha has the right. He was India's player in this contract period. He scored runs for India in December, that is why his name is there in this list, same goes for Ishant Sharma, he was playing regularly," he opined. ALSO READ | From Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to Hardik Pandya: Top 5 cricketing superstars with most Instagram followers Chopra further added, "This could possibly be the last contract for Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha. Will you see them playing after October - I am not 100% certain. They have already told Saha and it looks 50-50 for Ishant Sharma as well. I love him to bits but it seems the time has come for his exit." For the unversed, BCCI's has four categories -- A+ which has annual remuneration of INR 7 crore (INR 70 million) while A, B and C categories are valued at INR 5 crore (INR 50 million), INR 3 crore (30 million) and INR 1 crore (10 crore) respectively. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah remain the highest earners whereas the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Md Siraj and Axar Patel have been promoted. In addition, Suryakumar Yadav is the only new entrant in the central contracts.

Aakash Chopra explains why Saha, Ishant fall in Grade C in BCCI contracts despite being dropped

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle. While some are promoted to upper categories, some are demoted based on their performances.

As the details of the BCCI annual contracts for the 2022-23 season emerged, a number of major changes were witnessed. Senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma were demoted to the Grade B category while the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were promoted from Grade C to B.

However, there was no change in the A+ category - which is the highest bracket. BCCI retained only three players in the top category with captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah making the cut. The players in the A+ category are paid Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) annually while those in the A, B and C category earn Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore&nbsp;respectively.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the A+ category. Jadeja, who has been an integral member of India's squad across formats, has been kept in the A category. Chopra said the left-arm all-rounder's name should be in the top category considering his recent performances for the country.

"Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will get 7 crores rupees. There is no change in that category. And I feel why not Sir Jadeja? Sir Jadeja's name should also be there in this list," said Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-top-earners-to-players-with-big-pay-cuts-bccis-new-central-contracts-list-for-2021-22-459987">From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22</a>

While he backed Jadeja to be promoted to the A+ category, Chopra also said the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will also head to the top bracket soon considering their importance to the Indian side. While Pant is India's first-choice wicket-keeper across formats, Rahul has also been a crucial cog in the batting line-up across formats.

"I feel Ravindra Jadeja's name will go in the A+ category when the next contract renewal happens because his performance has been so good. His name is in Grade A currently. I feel Jadeja and KL Rahul's name will start going to A+ next time," said the former India cricketer.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nobody-can-touch-virat-ex-india-batting-coach-backs-kohli-to-equal-sachin-tendulkars-world-record-461005">&nbsp;'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record</a>

"Rishabh Pant is going to be a massive contender, you have made him the team's vice-captain but have placed him below. The same is for KL Rahul, move them up, get them to the 7 crores group, that's what I feel," he added.

&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for its players for the upcoming season. BCCI awards the contracts based on the performances of the players across formats in the previous cycle. While some are promoted to upper categories, some are demoted based on their performances. As the details of the BCCI annual contracts for the 2022-23 season emerged, a number of major changes were witnessed. Senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma were demoted to the Grade B category while the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were promoted from Grade C to B. However, there was no change in the A+ category - which is the highest bracket. BCCI retained only three players in the top category with captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah making the cut. The players in the A+ category are paid Rs 7 crore (INR 70 million) annually while those in the A, B and C category earn Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the absence of star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the A+ category. Jadeja, who has been an integral member of India's squad across formats, has been kept in the A category. Chopra said the left-arm all-rounder's name should be in the top category considering his recent performances for the country. "Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will get 7 crores rupees. There is no change in that category. And I feel why not Sir Jadeja? Sir Jadeja's name should also be there in this list," said Chopra in a video on his YouTube channel. Also Read: From top earners to players with big pay cuts: BCCI's new central contracts list for 2021-22 While he backed Jadeja to be promoted to the A+ category, Chopra also said the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will also head to the top bracket soon considering their importance to the Indian side. While Pant is India's first-choice wicket-keeper across formats, Rahul has also been a crucial cog in the batting line-up across formats. "I feel Ravindra Jadeja's name will go in the A+ category when the next contract renewal happens because his performance has been so good. His name is in Grade A currently. I feel Jadeja and KL Rahul's name will start going to A+ next time," said the former India cricketer. Also Read: 'Nobody can touch Virat': Ex-India batting coach backs Kohli to equal Sachin Tendulkar's world record "Rishabh Pant is going to be a massive contender, you have made him the team's vice-captain but have placed him below. The same is for KL Rahul, move them up, get them to the 7 crores group, that's what I feel," he added.

Why not Ravindra Jadeja? Former India cricketer questions BCCI over not awarding A+ contract to all-rounder