Indian Cricket UpdatesBCCI NewsCricket ContractsCricket NewsIndian Cricket NewsIndian Cricket PlayersIndian Cricket TeamIndian CricketersIndian Domestic CricketIshan KishanRishabh PantShreyas Iyer
Rishabh Pant Promoted, Iyer and Kishan Return as BCCI Releases Central Contracts for 2024-25
BCCI Announces Central Contracts: Big Changes for the 2024-25 Season
In a significant update from Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled its central contracts for the national men’s team for the 2024–25 season. The new contract cycle will be effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
The 34-player list retains the familiar structure of four grades – A+, A, B, and C, with some notable inclusions, promotions, and exits that highlight the dynamic shift in Indian cricket’s ecosystem.
A+ Category Stays Unchanged with Four Superstars
Consistent Performers Continue to Reign Supreme
The elite Grade A+ category has remained unchanged, with four of Indian cricket’s biggest names retaining their spots:
-
Rohit Sharma
-
Virat Kohli
-
Jasprit Bumrah
-
Ravindra Jadeja
These players continue to be vital pillars across all formats for the national side.
Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A in a Major Leap
One of the biggest highlights of this announcement is the promotion of Rishabh Pant, who moves up from Grade B to Grade A. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has made a strong comeback post-injury, joins:
-
Mohammed Shami
-
Mohammed Siraj
-
KL Rahul
-
Shubman Gill
-
Hardik Pandya
Pant’s elevation reflects both his recent form and the trust the selectors place in his long-term value.
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Make a Comeback
After being dropped in the previous cycle, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been reintroduced into the central contract list. Iyer returns in Grade B, while Kishan finds himself in Grade C, which saw the highest number of changes.
Grade B includes:
-
Suryakumar Yadav
-
Kuldeep Yadav
-
Axar Patel
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal
-
Shreyas Iyer (New Inclusion)
Grade C now features 19 players, including new faces like Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, showcasing a strong influx of youth talent.
Notable Omissions and Retirements
Some high-profile players have missed out on a contract this year, including:
-
Shardul Thakur
-
Jitesh Sharma
-
KS Bharath
-
Avesh Khan
-
Vijaykumar Vyshak
-
Umran Malik
-
Yash Dayal
-
Vidwath Kaverappa
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, a long-serving stalwart, has officially been excluded following his retirement from international cricket earlier this year.
👉 For more updates on Indian team selections and player performances, check our Indian Cricket News section.
Complete List of BCCI Central Contracts for 2024-25
Grade A+
-
Rohit Sharma
-
Virat Kohli
-
Jasprit Bumrah
-
Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A
-
Rishabh Pant (promoted)
-
Mohammed Shami
-
Mohammed Siraj
-
KL Rahul
-
Shubman Gill
-
Hardik Pandya
Grade B
-
Suryakumar Yadav
-
Kuldeep Yadav
-
Axar Patel
-
Shreyas Iyer (returned)
-
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Grade C
-
Rinku Singh
-
Tilak Verma
-
Ruturaj Gaikwad
-
Shivam Dube
-
Ravi Bishnoi
-
Washington Sundar
-
Mukesh Kumar
-
Sanju Samson
-
Arshdeep Singh
-
Prasidh Krishna
-
Rajat Patidar
-
Dhruv Jurel (new)
-
Sarfaraz Khan (new)
-
Nitish Reddy (new)
-
Ishan Kishan (returned)
-
Abhishek Sharma (new)
-
Akash Deep (new)
-
Varun Chakaravarthy (new)
-
Harshit Rana (new)
What This Means for the Future of Indian Cricket
The central contract announcement reflects a broader strategic vision by the BCCI — balancing experienced campaigners with emerging talents. With new players getting recognition and returning stars getting another chance, the Indian team is building depth for upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For more news updates, visit ESPNcricinfo.
