By Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Back in BCCI Contracts List
In a noteworthy development, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have found their names back in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024–25, months after being excluded due to non-participation in the Ranji Trophy. While Iyer has made a remarkable comeback into India’s ODI setup, Ishan’s inclusion comes despite not playing an international match in the last season.
Earlier in 2024, the BCCI had removed both players from the contract list citing disciplinary reasons. Their absence had raised eyebrows, especially with increasing emphasis on domestic cricket participation. However, this year’s updated list reflects a more inclusive approach by the BCCI, rewarding potential and experience.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Hold on to Grade A+ Status
Despite retiring from the T20I format, India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli have been retained in the Grade A+ bracket, which carries an annual retainership of ₹7 crore. Their continued relevance in Tests and ODIs has justified their place at the top of the hierarchy.
Joining them in Grade A+ are India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, forming a quartet that continues to dominate Indian cricket across formats.
Promotions: Rishabh Pant Moves to Grade A
After making a successful comeback from a career-threatening accident, Rishabh Pant has been promoted to Grade A (₹5 crore). With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from international cricket, Pant now joins KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya in this grade. Pant’s return to form and fitness has been one of Indian cricket’s most heartening stories of the past year.
Suryakumar Yadav Remains in Grade B Despite Captaincy Role
Despite being named the India T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav continues in Grade B (₹3 crore). His presence in just one format—T20s—appears to have influenced the decision. It’s a surprising call considering his leadership role and consistent performance in the shortest format.
Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, both regulars across formats, also remain in Grade B, a decision that may raise some questions given their key roles in India’s recent campaigns.
Grade C Sees Surge in New Additions
The Grade C category, with an annual retainership of ₹1 crore, has expanded to include 19 players, up from 16 in the previous year. Notably, Ishan Kishan has been brought back into this grade despite not featuring in India’s international setup recently.
Among the new additions are promising names like Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Varun Chakaravarthy, reflecting the BCCI’s focus on grooming fresh talent across formats.
Complete Breakdown of BCCI Central Contracts 2024–25
Grade A+ (₹7 crore):
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah
Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A (₹5 crore):
Rishabh Pant
KL Rahul
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Siraj
Shubman Gill
Hardik Pandya
Grade B (₹3 crore):
Suryakumar Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Shreyas Iyer
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Grade C (₹1 crore):
Ishan Kishan
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Harshit Rana
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Akash Deep
Varun Chakaravarthy
+13 other players
No Fast Bowling Contract This Year
Interestingly, the BCCI has dropped the fast bowling contract this year. In the previous cycle, the board introduced this special category to reward consistent domestic pacers. The absence of this initiative in 2024–25 could be a result of restructuring or performance-based reassessment, though the board hasn’t made an official statement on it yet.
A Balanced Mix of Experience and Youth
The BCCI’s central contracts for 2024–25 reflect a careful balancing act. While veterans like Rohit and Kohli continue to be honored for their contributions, young players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Nitish Reddy are also getting due recognition. The reinstatement of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan signals a fresh opportunity for redemption and commitment.
With India preparing for a packed season that includes the World Test Championship, bilateral series, and white-ball tournaments, the contracts offer a glimpse into the team’s roadmap and the players likely to be central to it.