Why Kohli and Rohit Dropped to Grade B in New BCCI Central Contract List

Post by : Saif Nasser

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released its latest central contract list, and the biggest talking point is the downgrade of two of India’s biggest cricket stars — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — to Grade B. Many fans were surprised by the decision, but the reason behind it is linked to a clear rule: contracts are based on how many formats a player is active in and how many matches they play during the season.

In the new 2025–26 contract cycle, both Kohli and Rohit were moved down from the earlier top A+ category to Grade B. The board has also removed the A+ grade completely this year. The new system now has only three groups — A, B, and C — for men’s players.

The main reason for the downgrade is simple and rule-based. Kohli and Rohit are now active in only one international format — One Day Internationals (ODIs). Both players retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and stepped away from Test cricket in 2025. Since they no longer play across all formats, they do not meet the criteria for the highest contract grade.

The BCCI contract system is designed to reward players based on performance, availability, and workload across formats. Players who regularly play Tests, ODIs, and T20Is usually qualify for higher grades because they carry more responsibility and play more matches through the year. With Kohli and Rohit now focusing on just one format, their match volume has reduced, which directly affects their contract level.

In earlier years, the A+ category was reserved for players who were important across all three formats. Only a few players ever qualified for that top bracket — including Kohli, Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. That special grade also carried the highest annual retainership amount. With the A+ grade now removed, even multi-format players have been placed in Grade A instead.

Under the new list, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are among those placed in Grade A. These players are active in multiple formats and are central to India’s current plans. Their workload and performance across formats helped them stay in the top group.

The contract grades also decide the annual retainership payment players receive from the board, separate from match fees. In previous seasons, Grade A players received higher annual payments than Grade B and C players. While the board has not announced the exact new payment figures yet, the structure still follows the same performance-based idea.

From an editorial point of view, the decision looks tough but consistent. Big names and past records do not automatically guarantee top contract grades. The system is meant to reflect present role, current workload, and format participation. Kohli and Rohit remain two of India’s most respected and successful cricketers, but the contract list is based on current cricket activity, not legacy alone.

This change also shows a shift in Indian cricket toward the next generation. Younger players who are active across formats are now moving into higher responsibility roles. It is a sign of transition, where experience still matters, but format commitment matters too.

The women’s central contract list also saw important updates. Senior stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma kept their top positions. Jemimah Rodrigues earned a promotion to a higher grade after strong performances in major matches. This shows that the same performance-based logic is being applied across both men’s and women’s cricket.

For fans, it is important to understand that a lower contract grade does not mean a player has become less important or less skilled. It simply means their current playing role has changed. Kohli and Rohit are still expected to play key roles in ODI tournaments and major events if selected.

In professional sport, systems evolve. Contract structures change, formats change, and player roles change. What remains constant is performance on the field. And by that measure, both Kohli and Rohit have already built careers that place them among India’s modern greats, no matter which contract grade they hold today.