Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may face a downgrade in BCCI’s 2026–27 central contracts as the board considers scrapping the A+ category after their retirement from Tests and T20Is.
New Delhi: Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could see a major change in their BCCI annual central contracts for the 2026–27 season. As per emerging reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering restructuring its contract system, which may result in both senior players moving down from the top bracket.
Kohli and Rohit currently feature in the elite A+ category, the highest pay grade in BCCI contracts. However, both cricketers have stepped away from two formats in recent years — retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025. With their international appearances now limited to only one format, the board is reviewing whether they should continue in the premium category.
A+ Category May Be Removed
Sources indicate that the BCCI is exploring the possibility of eliminating the A+ grade altogether. If the proposal is approved, players currently placed in that bracket would be reassigned to lower categories based on format participation and workload.
Under the current structure, the A+ grade offers an annual retainership of ₹7 crore. Virat Kohli and Rohit, along with Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, are part of this elite group. If the new system comes into effect, Jadeja and Bumrah — both active across multiple formats — are likely to move into Grade A, while Virat Kohli and Rohit could be shifted to Grade B.
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Proposal Awaiting Apex Council Approval
The recommendation has reportedly been submitted by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and is expected to be discussed in the upcoming BCCI Apex Council meeting. A final decision will be taken after internal deliberations and approval from senior officials.
The move reflects the board’s growing focus on workload management, format specialization, and long-term squad planning, especially with younger players being groomed for future leadership roles.
Possibility of New Contract Category
There is also speculation that BCCI could introduce a new contract category if the A+ grade is removed. In previous seasons, the board had launched special contracts for fast bowlers undergoing long-term development programs at the National Cricket Academy. A similar initiative could return, depending on future requirements.
For the 2024–25 season, the A+ category includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. Any structural change would significantly impact how elite players are compensated moving forward.
As Indian cricket transitions into a new phase, these contract adjustments may reshape the hierarchy within the national setup.
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