The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Annual Central Contracts for the Indian men’s cricket team for the 2024-25 season, reaffirming the hierarchy of players based on their performances, experience, and value to the national side. These contracts, which run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, categorize players into four grades — A+, A, B, and C — with corresponding retainer fees and benefits that reflect their standing in Indian cricket.
At the pinnacle, the Grade A+ category features four stalwarts: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. These players command the highest retainer fee of Rs. 7 crore and are considered the core pillars of the Indian team across formats. Their consistent match-winning contributions and leadership roles justify their top-tier status, anchoring India’s batting and bowling lineups with experience and skill.
The Grade A list includes six prominent names: Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Rishabh Pant. These players, earning Rs. 5 crore annually, have demonstrated significant impact in recent international fixtures and IPL seasons. They form the crucial support system around the A+ players, often stepping up in key moments and providing balance with their all-round abilities and versatility.
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In the Grade B category, the BCCI has placed emerging and consistent performers like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Axar Patel, with retainers of Rs. 3 crore. This group represents the promising middle tier of Indian cricket, blending youth and experience. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel have been instrumental in India’s recent ICC title wins, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025, and are reportedly in contention for promotion to Grade A in the next cycle.
The Grade C bracket, with a retainer of Rs. 1 crore, includes players like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Ishan Kishan. These players are either on the fringes of the national team or are young talents gradually making their mark in international cricket. Their inclusion reflects the BCCI’s encouragement to nurture upcoming talent while rewarding those who have contributed in limited opportunities.
Here’s the full list of players who earned the BCCI Central Contract:
| GRADE | NUMBER | PLAYERS |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 1 | Rohit Sharma |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | |
| 3 | Jasprit Bumrah | |
| 4 | Ravindra Jadeja | |
| A | 5 | Md. Siraj |
| 6 | KL Rahul | |
| 7 | Shubman Gill | |
| 8 | Hardik Pandya | |
| 9 | Md. Shami | |
| 10 | Rishabh Pant | |
| B | 11 | Suryakumar Yadav |
| 12 | Kuldeep Yadav | |
| 13 | Axar Patel | |
| 14 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | |
| 15 | Shreyas Iyer | |
| C | 16 | Rinku Singh |
| 17 | Tilak Verma | |
| 18 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | |
| 19 | Shivam Dube | |
| 20 | Ravi Bishnoi | |
| 21 | Washington Sundar | |
| 22 | Mukesh Kumar | |
| 23 | Sanju Samson | |
| 24 | Arshdeep Singh | |
| 25 | Prasidh Krishna | |
| 26 | Rajat Patidar | |
| 27 | Dhruv Jurel | |
| 28 | Sarfaraz Khan | |
| 29 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | |
| 30 | Ishan Kishan | |
| 31 | Abhishek Sharma | |
| 32 | Akash Deep | |
| 33 | Varun Chakaravarthy | |
| 34 | Harshit Rana |
The central contract system not only guarantees annual retainers but also offers match fees, bonuses for exceptional performances, and various other benefits such as medical support and access to elite training facilities. The grading is dynamic, with players eligible for promotion or demotion based on form and fitness, ensuring a meritocratic structure.
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