BCCI Central Contracts for the 2024–25 season have been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This updated list includes 34 players and is categorized into four salary grades — A+, A, B, and C. The players’ annual retainers, as well as promotions and first-time inclusions, have sparked significant interest among cricket fans. This yearly update reflects the dynamic nature of Indian cricket, where consistency, performance, and contribution to the team play crucial roles in determining a player’s place in these coveted BCCI Central Contracts grades.
🧾 Full List of BCCI Central Contracts 2024–25 with Salaries
| Grade | Annual Salary | Players |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | ₹7 Crore | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja |
| A | ₹5 Crore | Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya |
| B | ₹3 Crore | Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| C | ₹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 Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana |
🌟 Key Updates in BCCI Contract List 2024–25
Here are some important highlights from the BCCI contract announcement for 2024–25:
- Rishabh Pant: Promoted from Grade B to Grade A after recovering from injury, signaling his return to top form and a significant boost to his career.
- Shreyas Iyer: Returned to Grade B, solidifying his position after a series of successful performances post-injury, showing that he’s back to full fitness and match readiness.
- Ishan Kishan: Earned a spot in Grade C, considered for limited-overs formats despite past disciplinary actions. His inclusion marks the confidence the BCCI places in his talent for the future.
🆕 First-Time Entrants in Central Contracts
These 9 talented players have made their debut in the BCCI central contracts list this year, marking an exciting chapter in Indian cricket’s ongoing evolution:
| Player | Grade | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | C | Aggressive left-hand batter |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | C | Rising all-rounder |
| Harshit Rana | C | Fast bowler from KKR |
| Sarfaraz Khan | C | Ranji performer, middle-order hitter |
❌ Players Dropped from BCCI Contracts
The following players were excluded from the BCCI central contracts for the 2024–25 cycle, which highlights the evolving team dynamics:
- Shardul Thakur
- Jitesh Sharma
- K.S. Bharat
- Umran Malik
- Avesh Khan
- Vidwath Kaverappa
- Yash Dayal
- V. Vyshak
- R. Ashwin (Retired)
💬 What the Contracts Mean
A BCCI central contract is a major recognition for players. It assures them a fixed annual salary, irrespective of their form, and highlights their value within India’s cricketing structure. Grade A+ players are crucial to all formats, while Grade C players are often emerging stars or specialists in limited formats. This system provides players with financial security, making it a highly sought-after recognition in Indian cricket.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The 2024–25 BCCI central contracts list demonstrates the evolution of Indian cricket, blending established stars with fresh talent. Promotions like Rishabh Pant’s return to Grade A and the entry of new faces like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Reddy are exciting signs of a promising future for Indian cricket. These updates showcase the growing pool of talent ready to represent India across formats, ensuring that the team remains competitive on the global stage.
📈 Rising Stars to Watch in Grade C
Among the 19 players listed in Grade C of the BCCI Central Contracts, one name that has captured the attention of fans is Rajat Patidar. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket and emerging leadership qualities, Patidar’s growth has been phenomenal. Read about his inspiring journey and recent captaincy appointment for RCB in our detailed blog: “The Bold New Captain of RCB: Rajat Patidar’s Challenging Journey.” His rise through the ranks is a perfect example of how Grade C players can soon become vital to the Indian team structure.
