BCCI set for major contract shake-up: Gill likely to get A+ promotion, Rohit-Virat??

Central contract overhaul expected on December 22; senior players may lose top-tier status as Shubman Gill emerges as BCCI’s preferred all-format star.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up for one of its most significant contract reshuffles in recent years, with major decisions expected at the Apex Council meeting scheduled for December 22. Internal discussions suggest a major shift in the organisation’s grading structure, with promotions for emerging stars and possible demotions for senior players.

According to sources, BCCI is preparing to elevate Shubman Gill to the A+ category, the highest grade reserved strictly for all-format players. Gill, currently the captain in Tests and ODIs and vice-captain in T20Is, fits the criteria and is reportedly set for a “bumper reward.” His rise comes at a time when the board appears keen on investing heavily in young long-term assets.

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Meanwhile, two of India’s biggest modern-day icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are likely to face a downgrade. Both have stepped away from T20Is and are active only in ODIs, automatically rendering them ineligible for the A+ bracket under BCCI’s revised guidelines. Their expected shift to the B category marks a significant moment in Indian cricket’s transition.

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami is also staring at a setback. After being sidelined post the Champions Trophy, his contract renewal is uncertain. On the other hand, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, still active in Tests and ODIs, is likely to retain his A+ slot.

Youngsters are set to benefit as well. Shreyas Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, an all-format performer, are both strong contenders for promotions from Grade B to Grade A. Several players in Grade C are also being considered for an upgrade as part of the board’s wider restructuring.

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Under the current contract system, players earn:

•    ₹7 crore annually in Grade A+
•    ₹5 crore in Grade A
•    ₹3 crore in Grade B
•    ₹1 crore in Grade C

Additionally, match fees remain unchanged: ₹15 lakh for Tests, ₹6 lakh for ODIs and ₹3 lakh for T20Is.

With major shifts underway, the December 22 Apex Council meeting is expected to finalise all upgrades, demotions and removals, marking the beginning of a new player contract cycle for 2025.