As the IPL 2025 season heats up, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to unveil its BCCI central contract list for the 2024-25 cycle, which is set to reward outstanding performers, retain veterans, and welcome new talent. The crucial meeting of the judges’ panel is scheduled to be held in Guwahati on March 29, 2025, which will be attended by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The cricket fraternity is in a state of excitement. From Shreyas Iyer’s triumphant comeback to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja’s A+ status, here’s all you need to know about BCCI central contracts.
Big Four firmly entrenched in A+ category
Despite retiring from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are set to retain their place in the elite A+ category along with pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Each will continue to receive a hefty retainership of Rs 7 crore, a testament to their enduring value in Tests and ODIs. Test and ODI captain Rohit remains India’s main man and is set to lead the side on a challenging five-Test tour of England this summer. Kohli and all-rounder Jadeja, with their insatiable appetite for runs, have focused on the longer format, ensuring their A+ status remains intact. Bumrah, the only A+ level player still active across all formats, completes this quartet of cricket.
The decision puts an end to speculations of them being demoted to Grade A (Rs 5 crore) despite missing out on T20Is. “All three will be placed in the highest category,” a BCCI source told Business Standard, confirming the status of these players, who are considered the backbone of India.
Shreyas Iyer’s redemption story
Some comeback stories rival Shreyas Iyer’s in IPL 2025. After being dropped from the BCCI central contract 2024 along with Ishan Kishan for quitting domestic cricket, Iyer returned for revenge. His feat in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy where he became India’s top scorer with 243 runs at an average of 48.60, including two half-centuries has almost ensured his return to the BCCI contract list. Now captaining Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Iyer’s leadership abilities and batting skills (97* off 42 balls in a recent match) make him a prime candidate for a top-tier contract, perhaps Grade B (Rs 3 crore) or even Grade A.
Iyer’s journey from BCCI disciplinary action to becoming a star in the Champions Trophy reflects his perseverance. As Cricket Addict wrote, the 11 ODIs he played this season meet the eligibility criteria (at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is), making his case stronger for the Shreyas Iyer BCCI contract.
Ishan Kishan’s future uncertain
While Iyer’s performance is better, Ishan Kishan’s fate hangs in the balance. Kishan was also dropped for evading Ranji Trophy duties in 2023-24, and he is yet to return to international cricket. His fiery innings in IPL 2025 106* off 47 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals showcased his talent, but not having played for the Indian team since last year has dimmed his prospects. NDTV Sports has reported on the ongoing discussions regarding his inclusion, with a source telling, “Discussions are still on as to whether Ishan is included in this case.” Without a recent international tour, Kishan could be out again, though his IPL form could influence the BCCI to give him a lifeline, perhaps in Grade C (Rs 1 crore).
The rise of Axar Patel
All-rounder Axar Patel, India’s T20 vice-captain, deserves to be upgraded from Grade B to Grade A. He has key roles in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy victories combining his brilliant batting with his brilliant spin. According to Business Standard, his consistency across formats makes the Rs. 5 crore bracket a worthy prize.
New faces may be included in BCCI contract list 2025
The BCCI is set to welcome three rising stars in the BCCI contract list 2025. ‘Mystery spinner’ Varun Chakravarthy made a stunning comeback for India by taking nine wickets in three Champions Trophy matches. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a Test century in Australia, and Abhishek Sharma, who scored 135 off 54 balls in a T20 match against England, have been confirmed for Grade C (Rs. 1 crore) contracts. These debutants indicate India’s investment in youth, with IPL brilliance mixed with international talent.
Contract levels and eligibility
The BCCI central contracts salary structure will remain unchanged:
A+: Rs 7 crore (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja, Bumrah)
A: Rs. 5 crore (likely Axar, others priced)
B: Rs. 3 crore (likely for Iyer)
C: Rs. 1 crore (Chakravarthy, Reddy, Sharma, and possibly Kishan)
Eligibility is based on playing at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is in a calendar year. Exceptions can be made by the selection committee, providing flexibility for players like Iyer. For those wondering what is BCCI central contract, it’s a system to financially support and retain India’s top cricketers based on their performance and commitment.
What does this mean for IPL 2025?
With the IPL set to get into full swing on March 28, 2025, these BCCI central contracts 2025 reflect the BCCI’s balancing act rewarding current form while respecting legacy. Iyer’s return has boosted Punjab Kings’ morale, while Kishan’s uncertainty has added excitement to SRH’s campaign. CSK’s Gaikwad and Jadeja, as well as RCB’s Kohli, are safe, strengthening their team’s star power. The popularity of new players like Reddy (SRH) and Sharma (SRH) in the IPL could increase with this recognition.
The big picture of BCCI Central Contract
This contract cycle underlines the transformation in Indian cricket. Retaining Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja in the A+ despite their retirement from T20Is prioritizes Test and ODI consistency, while Iyer’s return and new entries indicate a strong pipeline. With Gambhir and Agarkar finalizing the BCCI contract list 2025, fans await clarity on Kishan and potential surprises. One thing is clear: the BCCI is mixing tradition with change, setting up for an exciting cricket year ahead.
