Are you ready to dive into one of cricket’s most intriguing administrative decisions? In a move that raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, the BCCI has awarded its prestigious A+ grade central contracts to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja despite their T20I retirement. This apparent contradiction has left fans and analysts puzzled—until now.
The Elite Club: Understanding BCCI’s A+ Grade Contracts
When the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced its central contracts on April 21, 2025, cricket enthusiasts immediately noticed something unusual. The highest tier of contracts—Grade A+ with its hefty Rs 7 crore salary—included three players who no longer represent India in all three formats.
For those unfamiliar with BCCI’s contract system, the A+ grade is typically reserved for players who are automatic selections across all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. This exclusive club of elite performers comes with the highest financial rewards and recognition.
So how did Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja maintain their spots in this premium category despite hanging up their T20I boots after the T20 World Cup triumph in 2024? The answer lies in the fine print of BCCI’s assessment system.
The Technical Explanation: Assessment Period vs. Contract Period
In a groundbreaking revelation that has sent ripples through the tech world, the BCCI’s decision actually makes perfect sense when you understand the timing involved. Here’s the key distinction that solves the mystery:
- Contract Period: October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025 (the upcoming year)
- Assessment Period: October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024 (the previous year)
During this assessment window, our three cricket icons were very much active in all three formats. In fact, they played crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup victory in June 2024, only announcing their retirement from the shortest format afterward.
“The period of the fresh central contract is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. But the assessment year is October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024,” a BCCI source explained. “Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja played the T20 World Cup final in June 2024, and hence, at that time, they were all-format regulars. Going by that technicality, they are supposed to be in the A+ category.”
The Individual Value: What Each Star Brings to Indian Cricket
India’s captain Rohit Sharma continues to be a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s leadership structure. His tactical acumen in the longer formats remains unmatched, with his ability to inspire younger players becoming increasingly valuable as India builds for the future. The 38-year-old’s experience in navigating difficult overseas conditions makes him irreplaceable in Tests and ODIs, despite stepping away from T20Is.
Virat Kohli: The Batting Maestro
Even with his T20I retirement, Virat Kohli remains India’s most bankable batting superstar. His phenomenal consistency across formats and unmatched fitness levels continue to set standards for the next generation. The 36-year-old’s focus on Tests and ODIs signals his commitment to helping India dominate the ICC Test Championship and prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Ravindra Jadeja: The Ultimate All-Rounder
Jadeja’s three-dimensional skills make him a rare commodity in world cricket. His lethal left-arm spin, explosive lower-order batting, and electric fielding provide balance to the Indian team that few other players can match. By focusing exclusively on the longer formats, Jadeja has shown his dedication to extending his international career and contributing where India needs him most.
Financial Implications: The Economics of Cricket’s Top Tier
The A+ grade contract’s financial component—Rs 7 crore annually—represents more than just compensation. It’s a recognition of market value, star power, and contribution to Indian cricket’s global dominance. For perspective, this figure exceeds what many international cricketers from other countries earn in multiple years.
The BCCI’s robust financial model allows it to reward its top performers handsomely, creating a professional environment that encourages excellence and longevity. The board’s annual revenue, estimated at over Rs 5,000 crore, enables it to maintain the world’s most comprehensive player contract system.
The Future of India’s Elite Contracts
This technical explanation provides valuable context for understanding what might appear to be preferential treatment. The board’s decision adheres strictly to their established assessment procedures rather than making exceptions for star players.
What does this mean for future contract cycles? When the next annual contracts are announced, we can reasonably expect these three cricket legends to move down to the A grade, assuming they continue their stellar performances in Tests and ODIs but remain retired from T20Is.
The fourth player in the A+ category, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, remains the only all-format player in this elite club. His versatility and excellence across all three versions of the game continue to make him an indispensable asset for Indian cricket.
While the A+ grade contracts grabbed headlines, the BCCI’s latest contract list included other notable developments. Players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had previously been excluded from central contracts, have made their return to the fold.
Their reintegration signals that the BCCI is willing to restore contracts for players who meet their participation and performance expectations after previous issues. This balanced approach demonstrates the board’s commitment to maintaining standards while providing pathways back for talented cricketers.
Historical Context: The Evolution of BCCI Contracts
The BCCI’s central contract system has come a long way since its introduction in 2004. Initially offering modest retainers, the system has grown exponentially, reflecting Indian cricket’s financial muscle and global dominance.
The introduction of the A+ category in 2018 marked a significant milestone, creating a special tier for players who excelled across all formats. This innovation recognized the increased specialization in modern cricket while still prioritizing all-format performers.
The contract system’s evolution mirrors Indian cricket’s transformation from a competitive team to the sport’s undisputed powerhouse, both on and off the field.
The Broader Pattern: Experience Valued in India’s Transition Phase
The decision to maintain A+ contracts for Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja reflects a broader pattern in Indian cricket—the continued value placed on experienced performers as the team navigates a transition phase.
With these veterans focusing exclusively on the longer formats, India’s cricket hierarchy clearly recognizes their ongoing importance to the test and ODI squads. Their leadership, technical expertise, and big-match temperament remain invaluable assets as younger players are gradually integrated into the international setup.
What This Means for Cricket Fans
For cricket enthusiasts following the sport’s administrative developments, this situation provides fascinating insight into how cricket boards evaluate and reward their top performers. The BCCI’s structured approach to contracts demonstrates the professionalism that has made Indian cricket the financial powerhouse of the global game.
The next contract cycle will be particularly interesting to watch, as it will reveal whether the board creates new assessment criteria or simply applies the existing rules that would likely see the trio drop down a grade.
The Final Verdict
The mystery of the A+ contracts has a simple, procedural explanation rather than representing any departure from established rules. While Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja no longer play T20Is, their performances during the assessment period fully justified their continued presence in the highest contract bracket.
As we look ahead to another exciting year of Indian cricket, these contract decisions provide valuable context for understanding the board’s priorities and processes. The fact that these three cricketing icons continue to command the highest recognition from their board speaks volumes about their continued importance to Indian cricket’s success on the global stage.
Are you surprised by the BCCI’s decision, or do you think the technical explanation makes perfect sense? The intersection of administrative procedures and on-field performance always creates interesting talking points for cricket fans worldwide.
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FAQ:-
Who are the players in the A+ contract?
Indian stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are set to continue their A+ grade in the upcoming Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contract list for 2025-26.
Who is Indian A+ grade player?
In the 2024-25 season, top players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja were included in the Grade A+ category. Apart from the annual salary, players also earn match fees—₹15 lakh for Test matches, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20Is.
