BCCI Central Contracts 2025-26: Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Face Demotion to Grade A

BCCI Central Contract Shake-Up: Kohli, Rohit at Risk as Gill Rises

As of late December 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to announce the BCCI Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season. This cycle marks a seismic shift in the hierarchy of Indian cricket as the “old guard” makes way for the “new vanguard.”

The biggest talking points revolve around the potential demotion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the inevitable ascent of Shubman Gill.

Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kholi Might Get Demoted

The BCCI’s Grade A+ category (₹7 Crore) has historically been a “premium bracket” strictly reserved for players who are certain starters in all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and TKohli20Is).

• Retirement Factor: In 2025, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, following their earlier departure from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup.⁸ They are now officially single-format players (ODI only).

• The Policy: Insiders suggest the BCCI is strictly enforcing the “All-Format” rule for the top tier.¹⁰ Since the duo no longer participates in the grueling Test schedule, they are expected to move to Grade A (₹5 Crore).

• The Financial Hit: A demotion would mean a ₹2 Crore reduction in their annual retainership.

Shubman Gill: The New “A+” Face

While the veterans step down, Shubman Gill is the primary beneficiary of this transition.

• Leadership Role: Having taken over as the Test and ODI Captain following Rohit’s retirement, Gill is now the cornerstone of India’s future.

• Versatility: Unlike the seniors, Gill remains a vital part of the T20I setup as well. His promotion from Grade A to Grade A+ is seen as a formality to align his pay with his massive responsibilities.

The “Bumrah-Jadeja” Exception

Interestingly, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to retain their Grade A+ status.

• Bumrah is considered “the most valuable asset” across formats, even if his workload is managed.

• Jadeja continues to play both Tests and ODIs, providing the multi-format utility that the A+ grade demands.

BCCI Central Contracts Patterns & Rules

The BCCI follows a specific “Points and Participation” pattern to determine eligibility for a contract, even for players not initially on the list.

Minimum Match Requirements (The 3-8-10 Rule)

To be eligible for a pro-rata central contract during a season, a player must feature in:

• 3 Test Matches, OR

• 8 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), OR

• 10 T20 Internationals

The Domestic Mandate

A significant part of the 2025-26 cycle is the mandatory domestic participation. Following the 2024 controversy involving Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, the BCCI now requires all fit, non-international active players to play in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy or Ranji Trophy. Failure to comply results in immediate exclusion from the contract list, regardless of seniority.

Projected 2025-26 Grading Comparison

Analysis: A Generational Pivot

This reshuffle isn’t just about money; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch. By moving Kohli and Rohit to Grade A, the BCCI is prioritizing the “All-Format” grind required of the younger generation, while still honoring the legends as premier “A” category specialists.