BCCI’s Contract Decisions Hinges on Champions Trophy Performance
With the Indian men’s cricket team preparing for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely monitoring player performances. This year’s BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 announcements have been delayed, unlike last year when they were revealed on February 28.
According to reports from The Times of India, BCCI is postponing its final decision until after the Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring that contracts reflect current performances rather than past reputations.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 is whether the A+ category, which currently includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, will see any changes. Given that Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja have retired from T20Is, and India failed to reach the World Test Championship final, BCCI is considering a possible reshuffle in the top category.
A strong Champions Trophy performance could significantly boost the chances of these senior players retaining their spots in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
Will BCCI Restructure the A+ Category?
1️⃣ The Future of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja
Currently, the A+ category is awarded to players who perform consistently across all three formats. However, with Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja stepping away from T20Is, their status in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 is under review.
📌 Key Factors Affecting the A+ Contracts:
✅ Test Performance: India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final, raising questions about the impact of senior players.
✅ ODI Leadership: Rohit Sharma has led India successfully in white-ball cricket, including the T20 World Cup victory in 2024 and a strong Champions Trophy campaign.
✅ T20I Retirement: With all three players no longer playing T20Is, the BCCI might revise its criteria for A+ contracts in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
💬 BCCI’s Stand on Rohit Sharma’s Future:
“The board will wait for Rohit’s decision after the Champions Trophy. If he chooses to retire from ODIs as well, then the board will make necessary adjustments. But his leadership and recent success in white-ball cricket cannot be ignored,” a BCCI source told The Times of India.
With the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand set to be a decisive moment, the outcome could play a major role in whether Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja retain their A+ contracts in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
2️⃣ Shreyas Iyer’s Return to BCCI’s Central Contracts
One of the biggest stories surrounding the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 is the possible return of Shreyas Iyer.
Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan lost their central contracts after skipping domestic cricket—a move that signaled BCCI’s tough stance on prioritizing domestic matches.
📌 Why Shreyas Iyer Is Likely to Get a Contract in BCCI Annual Contracts 2025:
✅ Consistent ODI Performer: Iyer remains an important middle-order batter for India in ODIs.
✅ Champions Trophy Contribution: His role in the ongoing tournament strengthens his case for a comeback.
✅ Commitment to Domestic Cricket: Unlike last year, Iyer has actively participated in domestic games, a factor that could influence BCCI’s decision.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan has not played international cricket since November 2023, making it unlikely for him to receive a contract in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
3️⃣ Breakdown of BCCI’s Contract Categories
In 2024, BCCI awarded contracts to 30 players, divided into:
📌 Grade A+ (₹7 crore per year)
- Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja
📌 Grade A (₹5 crore per year)
- Six players including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami
📌 Grade B (₹3 crore per year)
- Five players, including Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav
📌 Grade C (₹1 crore per year)
- 15 players, including emerging names like Tilak Varma and Mukesh Kumar
Additionally, the BCCI introduced fast-bowling contracts for five young pacers:
✔ Akash Deep
✔ Yash Dayal
✔ Umran Malik
✔ Vijaykumar Vyshak
✔ V Kaverappa
Given India’s ongoing Champions Trophy campaign, changes in these categories are expected in BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 based on player performances and long-term plans.
BCCI’s Tough Stance on Player Availability & Domestic Cricket
Over the past year, BCCI has made it clear that players who skip domestic cricket without valid reasons risk losing their central contracts. This was evident when Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped in 2024.
📌 BCCI’s Selection Criteria for BCCI Annual Contracts 2025:
✅ Consistent performances across formats
✅ Participation in domestic cricket
✅ Fitness and availability for selection
With the Champions Trophy 2025 set to conclude, the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 decisions will likely be influenced by:
✔ India’s performance in the final
✔ Key players’ contributions throughout the tournament
✔ Long-term plans for ODI and Test formats
The biggest question mark remains whether BCCI will introduce new criteria for A+ contracts or retain the existing system in BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
🏏 What’s Next for BCCI’s Central Contracts?
As the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand approaches, the performances of key senior players like Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja could determine their contract status in the BCCI Annual Contracts 2025.
📌 Key Takeaways from BCCI Annual Contracts 2025 Decisions:
✔ Shreyas Iyer is expected to return to the central contract list.
✔ Virat Kohli’s A+ status is likely to remain unchanged.
✔ Rohit Sharma and Jadeja’s contracts could depend on their post-Champions Trophy decisions.
✔ BCCI will continue prioritizing domestic cricket participation.
With an exciting final on the horizon, will this be the last ICC tournament for Rohit and Jadeja? And how will BCCI reshape its contract structure for 2025?
🏏 Do you think BCCI should revise the A+ category criteria in BCCI Annual Contracts 2025? Share your thoughts!
