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BCCI Central Contracts 2025: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Retained in A+; Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer Make a Strong Comeback
BCCI Releases New Central Contract List for 2025 Season
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced its much-anticipated central contracts for the 2025 season, creating significant buzz in the cricketing fraternity. As expected, some seasoned players retained their top slots, but what caught everyone’s attention were the comebacks and fresh entries that have rejuvenated the squad dynamics.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the pillars of Indian cricket for over a decade, have been placed in the prestigious Grade A+ category alongside bowling maestro Jasprit Bumrah and the reliable all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Surprisingly, two key players who were out of the central contracts last year—Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer—have made their way back into the list, bringing fresh excitement among fans.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Retain A+ Category Despite Limited Format Participation
Despite announcing their retirement from T20 Internationals after India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to be invaluable assets for the Indian team. Recognizing their monumental contribution to Indian cricket, the BCCI retained them in the elite Grade A+ category.
This top bracket is traditionally reserved for players who are active across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, the board chose to make an exception for these stalwarts, underlining the immense respect and recognition they command within Indian cricket circles.
Alongside Kohli and Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, who remains crucial in all formats with his lethal bowling, and Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile all-rounder, have also been placed in the Grade A+ list.
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Major Comebacks: Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Reclaim Their Spots
Ishan Kishan’s Journey Back to the Central Contracts
After being dropped from the BCCI central contracts last year due to disciplinary issues, Ishan Kishan has managed a remarkable comeback. In 2024, Kishan was in the headlines when he exited India’s tour of South Africa midway, citing personal reasons. His abrupt departure raised concerns within the management, leading to his exclusion from the central contracts for the following year.
Since then, Kishan has worked on regaining trust, showing professionalism and commitment through consistent performances in domestic and IPL matches. As a result, the southpaw finds himself reinstated under the Grade C category this year.
His return not only reflects his personal growth but also BCCI’s openness towards rewarding players who show resilience and determination.
Shreyas Iyer’s Reward for Champions Trophy Heroics
Shreyas Iyer, another notable omission from last year’s list, makes a strong return with a Grade B contract.
Iyer’s brilliant contributions during India’s victorious run in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he played critical innings under pressure, played a pivotal role in India’s historic third title.
Sharing the Grade B category alongside stars like Suryakumar Yadav (SKY), Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Axar Patel, Iyer’s inclusion underlines the importance of form, fitness, and performance at crucial junctures.
Detailed BCCI Central Contract Salary Structure 2025
The BCCI maintains a structured grade system to ensure players are rewarded proportionately based on their contributions:
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Grade A+: ₹7 crore annually
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Grade A: ₹5 crore annually
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Grade B: ₹3 crore annually
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Grade C: ₹1 crore annually
This financial model continues to motivate players across all levels while maintaining the prestige associated with higher-grade contracts.
BCCI’s Message: Performance, Discipline, and Commitment Key to Recognition
The 2025 central contracts list clearly signals the BCCI’s expectations: consistent performance, dedication, and discipline are non-negotiable for Indian cricketers.
While established legends like Kohli and Rohit are rightly honored for their irreplaceable legacy, younger players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are also given the opportunity to revive their careers based on merit and hard work.
The exclusion of players who failed to meet these standards further drives home the message that every contract is earned, not given.
For a complete overview of contract policies, visit the official BCCI Central Contracts Guidelines.
