BCCI to Finalize Men’s Central Contracts in Guwahati

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: March 28, 2025
Last updated: March 31, 2025

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to make key decisions regarding the annual central contracts for men’s cricketers in a crucial meeting scheduled in Guwahati on Saturday. This gathering is expected to see significant deliberations and determinations for the upcoming annual contracts as part of the administration’s strategy to shape the future of Indian cricket.

In this high-stakes meeting, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is scheduled to meet with India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector, Ajit Agarkar. The discussions are likely to cover the inclusion and retention of players in various grades within the central contract system. Notably, Shreyas Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to be added to the new list of contracts.

**Expected Retentions and Promotions**

Star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are projected to retain their positions in the A+ category of contracts, which is the highest grade. The structured grading system awards ₹5 crore annually to Grade A+ players.

Axar Patel, due to his consistent performances, is poised to be promoted from Grade B to Grade A. This promotion is seen as a recognition of his valuable contributions to the team.

Moreover, three new names – Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy – are likely to make their entry into the BCCI’s central contracts list, reflecting the board’s investment in fresh talent for future readiness.

**Grading and Financials**

The BCCI has defined a tiered grading structure: ₹5 crore for Grade A, ₹3 crore for Grade B, and ₹1 crore for Grade C players. This financial structuring reflects the board’s emphasis on rewarding performance and encouraging excellence on the field.

**Coach and Team Changes**

The meeting will also address coaching staff changes, prompted by India’s recent underwhelming performances in the Test circuit. Coach Gautam Gambhir has been actively bringing in his associates from IPL franchises as assistants for the national team.

**Warm-Up Matches and Future Planning**

Additionally, the BCCI is encouraging senior players to participate in India A’s warm-up matches prior to the England Test series. Scheduled against the England Lions on May 30 and June 6, these matches serve as a preparatory ground for the first Test commencing on June 20.

The BCCI’s evolving strategies and upcoming decisions reflect a multifaceted approach to improving team performance and nurturing upcoming talent in the Indian cricket landscape.