The Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing for a pivotal decision that could reshape Indian cricket’s financial hierarchy. At their Annual General Meeting on December 22, the BCCI will not only promote Shubman Gill to the elite A+ category but also determine whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli deserve to retain their top-tier status.
Shubman Gill Factor: From Grade A to Elite Status
Currently placed in Grade A, Shubman Gill’s meteoric rise as Test captain (since May) and ODI captain (since October) has earned him a promotion to the coveted A+ category. This elevation will place the 26-year-old Punjab star alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja in the ₹7 crore annual salary bracket—a testament to his multi-format leadership.
The timing couldn’t be more significant. With India’s future leadership clearly resting on Gill’s shoulders, the BCCI is recognizing his value before the transition becomes complete. Learn more about India’s cricket leadership evolution at our Team India analysis section.
The Rohit-Kohli Dilemma: A₹7 Crore Question
Here’s where it gets interesting. According to PTI reports, the BCCI faces an unprecedented decision regarding the two legends who’ve dominated Indian cricket for over a decade.
Current Contract Breakdown
| Grade | Annual Salary | Current Players |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | ₹7 crore | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja |
| A | ₹5 crore | Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya |
| B | ₹3 crore | Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| C | ₹1 crore | 19 players including Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh |
The Format Paradox
According to BCCI’s central contract rules, A+ grade is reserved for all-format players. Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20Is, now featuring only in ODIs. While they received exemptions after T20I retirement, their complete Test withdrawal complicates matters.
The board granted special dispensation before, but with both legends now single-format specialists, maintaining their A+ status could set a precedent that undermines the contract structure. For insights on BCCI’s governance decisions, check the official BCCI website.
What December 22 Meeting Means for Indian Cricket
The BCCI’s AGM will address several crucial agenda items:
Key Discussion Points:
- Shubman Gill’s confirmed A+ promotion
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s contract status
- Increased pay scale for women cricketers
- Central contract revisions for 2025-26 season
This meeting represents more than contract negotiations—it’s a symbolic passing of the torch. While Gill ascends to cricket’s financial elite, the decision on Ro-Ko could signal how the board balances sentiment with structural integrity.
For more on Indian cricket’s financial landscape, visit our cricket business section.
The Broader Impact on Team Dynamics
If Rohit and Kohli are moved to Grade A (₹5 crore), it won’t just be about the ₹2 crore reduction. It sends a message about the new hierarchy where captaincy and multi-format availability matter most. Conversely, retaining them at A+ acknowledges their ODI World Cup 2027 importance and legendary status.
The decision will undoubtedly influence how future contract structures evolve, particularly as more players specialize in specific formats to extend their careers.
FAQs
Q: When will the BCCI decide on Shubman Gill’s promotion and Rohit-Kohli’s contract status?
A: The decision will be made at the BCCI’s 31st Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025. This meeting will finalize the central contract revisions for the upcoming annual cycle and address all grade promotions and demotions.
Q: Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s A+ contracts under review?
A: Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is and now only play ODIs. According to BCCI rules, the A+ grade (₹7 crore annually) is typically reserved for all-format players. While they received exemptions after T20I retirement, their complete departure from two formats raises questions about whether they should remain in the top tier or move to Grade A (₹5 crore).
