BCCI Contract List 2025 – Players, Grades & Full Details
Cricket in India isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion, a celebration, and for many, a way of life. And when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) releases its contract list, it’s not just paperwork—it’s big news. Why? Because this list tells us who’s performing, who’s rising, and who’s possibly falling out of favor.
Let’s dive deep into the BCCI contract list 2025, breaking it all down in simple language so every cricket lover—whether casual fan or die-hard follower—can understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
What is the BCCI Contract List?
The BCCI contract list is essentially a document that outlines which Indian cricketers are centrally contracted by the board, and in what grade. These players receive annual retainerships and are considered the core of India’s cricketing future.
Think of it like a school’s honor roll—the best performers get recognized, rewarded, and expected to keep delivering.
Why the BCCI Contract List Matters
Why should fans care? Well, this list gives us a sneak peek into the BCCI’s thinking—who they trust, who they’re investing in, and who might be on thin ice.
It also shows us the changing dynamics of Indian cricket, with new talents emerging and veterans making way. It’s more than names—it’s the direction of the team.
Categories in the BCCI Contract System
The BCCI divides players into four categories:
- Grade A+
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade C
Each of these categories represents different levels of importance, performance, and pay.
BCCI Contract Grades Explained
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Grade A+: Reserved for the absolute elite. Think Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli at their peak.
Grade A: Top-tier players, regulars in all formats.
Grade B: Strong performers, maybe format-specific or slightly inconsistent.
Grade C: Promising or backup players who are still on the radar.
Players in Grade A+ (2025)
This year’s Grade A+ list is a short but powerful one. These are the cricketing titans, players the BCCI believes are indispensable across all formats.
Expected names in 2025:
- Rohit Sharma
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Virat Kohli
These players are mainstays, bringing consistency, experience, and leadership.
Players in Grade A (2025)
This grade includes players who are top-notch but may not be in all three formats or are just below A+.
Likely members:
- KL Rahul
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- R Ashwin
These players are vital, even if their roles vary depending on the format.
Players in Grade B (2025)
Grade B often includes players who are important but might have been in and out of the playing XI.
Names to watch:
- Shubman Gill
- Axar Patel
- Shardul Thakur
- Sanju Samson
They’ve shown potential, but consistency and selection across formats matter here.
Players in Grade C (2025)
This is the most dynamic category, often filled with rising stars or backup players.
Notable entries:
- Rinku Singh
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Arshdeep Singh
- Tilak Varma
It’s like the nursery of Indian cricket, where future stars are groomed.
Rising Stars: New Entries in 2025
The most exciting part of every year’s list? The new faces!
Young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Arshdeep Singh are perfect examples. Their performances in T20Is and IPL have fast-tracked them to the national setup.
This shows that BCCI is not just looking at stats, but impact.
Notable Omissions: Who Missed Out?
Every year brings surprises—and heartbreaks.
In 2025, some notable absentees might include:
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Their absence reflects a generational shift and the brutal nature of competitive cricket.
How Does the BCCI Decide Contracts?
The process isn’t random. A selection committee, led by the chief selector, works with team management to assess:
- Performance across formats
- Fitness
- Future potential
- Team requirements
It’s a balance of merit, strategy, and vision.
Money Matters: Salary Breakdown by Grade
Here’s how much players earn annually through BCCI central contracts:
- Grade A+: ₹7 crore
- Grade A: ₹5 crore
- Grade B: ₹3 crore
- Grade C: ₹1 crore
This is apart from match fees, endorsements, and bonuses. Not bad, right?
How Performance Impacts Contracts
Cricket, like life, is performance-based. A player might have a dream year and move up a grade—or face a dip and fall off the list.
Take Hardik Pandya, for example. Injuries and inconsistent play could shift his contract status.
BCCI Contract vs IPL Earnings
Here’s where it gets interesting. Some players earn more from IPL than they do from their central contract. But a BCCI contract means stability, prestige, and long-term trust.
It’s like having a steady job alongside freelancing—both are great, but one brings more security.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The BCCI contract list 2025 paints a clear picture of where Indian cricket is headed. Youngsters are rising, veterans are slowly stepping back, and the team is evolving into a dynamic, fearless unit.
It’s also proof that the BCCI is rewarding performance, fitness, and adaptability—qualities that define the modern cricketer.
Conclusion
The BCCI contract list 2025 is more than just names on paper—it’s a roadmap for Indian cricket’s future. It shows us where the team is going, who’s trusted to lead the charge, and who might be knocking on the door next.
So the next time someone mentions the BCCI contract list, you’ll know exactly what it means—and why it matters.
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It’s a list released by the BCCI that categorizes players based on performance and role, offering them annual contracts and salaries.
The BCCI’s selection committee, in consultation with team management and coaching staff, makes these decisions based on multiple factors.
No. Players also earn from match fees, IPL contracts, endorsements, and bonuses.
Typically, changes happen annually, but serious disciplinary issues or long-term injuries might affect mid-year status.
They’re usually considered for an upgrade in the next cycle, but performance can lead to bonuses or selections in major tournaments.
