BCCI Central Contracts: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Moved to Grade B
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its annual central contracts for the 2023-24 season, bringing significant changes to the player categories. In a notable development, star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been downgraded from the elite Grade A+ to Grade B. This decision reflects the board's assessment of their current roles and contributions to the national team, particularly in the T20 International format.
Details of the Contract Downgrades
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were previously in the top-tier Grade A+ alongside Jasprit Bumrah, have now been placed in Grade B. This category includes an annual retainer fee of Rs 3 crore, compared to the Rs 7 crore offered in Grade A+. The downgrade is primarily attributed to their reduced involvement in T20Is, as both players have not featured in this format since the 2022 T20 World Cup. The BCCI's contract system is designed to reward players based on their activity and performance across all three formats of the game.
Impact on Player Rankings and Team Dynamics
The move underscores a strategic shift by the BCCI towards prioritizing younger talent and players who are active across formats. While Rohit Sharma continues to captain the Test and ODI teams, and Virat Kohli remains a key figure in these formats, their absence from T20Is has influenced their contract status. This adjustment may signal the board's focus on building a squad for future ICC events, including the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Other Key Changes in the Central Contracts List- Jasprit Bumrah retains his Grade A+ status due to his consistent performances across formats.
- Young players like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj have been promoted to Grade A, reflecting their rising importance in the team.
- Several all-format players have received upgrades, while those with limited roles have been downgraded or omitted.
The BCCI's central contracts are reviewed annually, with categories based on player performance, fitness, and disciplinary record. This year's list includes 30 players across four grades: A+, A, B, and C. The downgrade of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the future of these veteran cricketers in India's T20 setup.
Note: The contracts are effective from October 2023 to September 2024, and players must meet specific criteria to retain their grades.
