The BCCI has announced its central contracts for 2024-25, encompassing a total of 34 players. These contracts will be effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
BCCI Central Contracts: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared the central contracts for Team India for the 2024-25 season. This year, a total of 34 players have been included. The new list released by the BCCI shows some significant changes, such as the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were absent from the central contracts last year. Additionally, several new and emerging players have been incorporated into the contracts. This article will detail which players are in which grade and the potential impact of these central contracts on Indian cricket.
Significance of Central Contracts
The central contracts issued by the BCCI provide financial support to Indian cricketers based on their performance. These contracts represent stability for the players, guaranteeing a fixed annual salary in addition to match fees. The goal of the central contracts is to keep players mentally and physically prepared for optimal performance for the team. Furthermore, it signifies the BCCI's appreciation for their contributions.
2024-25 Central Contracts: Key Changes and Players
This year, the BCCI has included 34 players in the central contracts. These are divided into four grades (A+, A, B, and C), determining the players' salaries.
1. Grade A+ Players
The BCCI has placed its four most prominent players in Grade A+. These players will receive an annual salary of ₹7 crore.
- Rohit Sharma – Captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma has led India to victory in numerous crucial matches through his leadership and exceptional batting. His captaincy has seen the team achieve many historic wins.
- Virat Kohli – Virat Kohli, one of the biggest stars in Indian cricket, is included in Grade A+. His contribution to the team is immense, and his performance has always been outstanding.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Jasprit Bumrah, the leading fast bowler for the Indian team, boasts numerous crucial wickets and match-winning performances.
- Ravindra Jadeja – Ravindra Jadeja, an excellent all-rounder, has also secured a place in this grade. His bowling and batting are both incredibly valuable to the team.
2. Grade A Players
This grade includes six players, each receiving a salary of ₹5 crore.
- Mohammed Siraj – Mohammed Siraj, who has impressed everyone with his outstanding bowling, is included in this grade.
- KL Rahul – KL Rahul, a batsman and wicket-keeper, has consistently delivered b performances.
- Shubman Gill – Shubman Gill, an emerging star in the Indian team, features in this grade.
- Hardik Pandya – Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder, has always made significant contributions to the team.
- Mohammed Shami – Mohammed Shami, an experienced fast bowler for the Indian team, who has bowled exceptionally well in many important matches, has secured a place in this grade.
- Rishabh Pant – Rishabh Pant, one of India's youngest and most aggressive wicket-keeper batsmen, has delivered outstanding performances in many matches for the team.
3. Grade B Players
Grade B comprises five players, each receiving a salary of ₹3 crore.
- Suryakumar Yadav – Suryakumar Yadav, known for his explosive batting, has had an outstanding year.
- Kuldeep Yadav – Kuldeep Yadav, the main spin bowler for the Indian team, whose varied bowling style has played a crucial role in many matches.
- Axar Patel – Axar Patel, who delivers all-round performances, is included in this grade.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Young batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a spectacular year in domestic cricket.
- Shreyas Iyer – Shreyas Iyer, who had a brilliant batting year and also performed well in the Champions Trophy, is included in Grade B.
4. Grade C Players
Grade C includes 18 players, each receiving a salary of ₹1 crore.
- Rinku Singh
- Tilak Varma
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shivam Dube
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Mukesh Kumar
- Sanju Samson
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Rajat Patidar
- Dhruv Jurel
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ishan Kishan
- Abhishek Sharma
- Akash Deep
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
Salary Distribution and its Impact
The salary structure (Grades A+, A, B, C) set by the BCCI for the players not only provides financial stability but also motivates them to consistently improve their performance. This package is not only a reward for the players' hard work but also reflects their contribution to Team India's success.
