Introduction:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially released its central contracts list for the 2024–25 season. The announcement comes with notable inclusions, exclusions, and a few surprises. Making headlines are the returns of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, both of whom were left out last season due to disciplinary issues. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, despite speculations of demotion post their T20I retirement, have been retained in the Grade A+ category, reaffirming their enduring stature in Indian cricket.
What’s New in the 2024–25 Central Contracts?
- Shreyas Iyer returns to Grade B after a solid comeback, including a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy win.
- Ishan Kishan, following a strong IPL 2025 showing, finds a place in Grade C.
- Rising stars like Harshit Rana, Abhishek Sharma, and Varun Chakaravarthy receive their first-ever contracts, reflecting BCCI’s push towards grooming the next generation.
Grade-wise Player List and Salary Structure:
| Grade | Players | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja | ₹7 crore |
| A | Md. Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Md. Shami, Rishabh Pant | ₹5 crore |
| B | Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer | ₹3 crore |
| 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, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana | ₹1 crore |
Key Highlights:
- Veterans Hold Ground:
Despite stepping back from T20Is, the trio of Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja remains in the elite A+ category. This reflects their continued importance in Tests and ODIs. - Pant’s Promotion:
Returning from a serious injury, Rishabh Pant has been promoted to Grade A, signaling the board’s faith in his match-winning potential. - Youth in Focus:
Several young talents have been rewarded for their performances in domestic cricket and IPL. Players like Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, and Sarfaraz Khan represent a fresh crop in Indian cricket’s transition phase.
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Iyer and Kishan’s Return: A Redemption Arc?
The 2023–24 season was a setback for both Iyer and Kishan, with the BCCI making a strong statement by omitting them due to non-compliance with domestic participation guidelines. Their return signifies redemption — not just for form but for professionalism and commitment.
- Iyer’s ODI form and his Champions Trophy performance made him impossible to ignore.
- Kishan’s IPL resurgence has reaffirmed his talent and earned him a spot back, albeit in the lowest tier.
What This Means for Indian Cricket:
This year’s central contracts blend experience and youth, signaling India’s preparation for a generational shift. While stalwarts still hold the fort, the BCCI is consciously building a pipeline of next-gen cricketers through contract recognition.
Conclusion:
The BCCI’s central contract list for 2024–25 is not just a financial announcement — it’s a strategic signal. With experienced icons retained, young blood inducted, and discipline rewarded, the board has balanced continuity with change. As the cricketing calendar rolls on, eyes will now be on how these selections translate into performance on the field.