The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, and this year’s list reflects a strategic shift toward building a balanced team with a blend of experienced veterans and rising young talent. The total number of contracted players has increased to 34, up from 30 last year, signaling a broader and more inclusive approach by the Indian cricket board.

This update to the BCCI central contract list comes on the back of India’s recent ICC triumphs and highlights the board’s emphasis on rewarding performance, backing potential, and preparing for a generational transition in Indian cricket.

Structure of BCCI Central Contracts

BCCI classifies its annual player contracts into four categories based on performance, impact, and consistency:

• Grade A+: ₹7 crore

• Grade A: ₹5 crore

• Grade B: ₹3 crore

• Grade C: ₹1 crore

These retainers are in addition to players’ match fees and apply across all three international formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.

Grade A+ (₹7 crore per year)

• Rohit Sharma

• Virat Kohli

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Ravindra Jadeja

These players continue to be the foundation of the Indian team across formats. Their inclusion in the top grade reflects not only their performance but also their leadership roles and marketability.

Grade A (₹5 crore per year)

• Mohammed Siraj

• KL Rahul

• Shubman Gill

• Hardik Pandya

• Mohammed Shami

• Rishabh Pant (Promoted)

Rishabh Pant’s Promotion

Rishabh Pant’s elevation from Grade B to Grade A was one of the most talked-about updates in this year’s contract list. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, who returned from a career-threatening car accident in 2023, had a lukewarm performance in 2024. Nevertheless, the BCCI has decided to back his long-term potential.

Despite not being India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs—where KL Rahul has taken over—Pant continues to be viewed as a long-term investment in the T20 and Test formats. His current stint as captain of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 has further added to his leadership credentials.

Grade B (₹3 crore per year)

• Suryakumar Yadav

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Axar Patel

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Shreyas Iyer (Reinstated)

Shreyas Iyer’s Comeback

Dropped from the 2023–24 central contract list, Shreyas Iyer has made a remarkable return. He was instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy win, scoring 243 runs in crucial matches. He also led Mumbai to the Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and is currently captaining Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, where his leadership has been lauded.

Previously, Iyer also led Kolkata Knight Riders to their 2024 IPL title, proving his consistency and leadership skills. His return to the BCCI contract list marks a significant milestone in his career.

Grade C (₹1 crore per year)

• Ishan Kishan

• Sarfaraz Khan

• Nitish Kumar Reddy

• Abhishek Sharma

• Akash Deep

• Varun Chakaravarthy

• Harshit Rana

Youth-Focused Selections

The BCCI’s inclusion of promising youngsters like Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy shows a clear focus on future team-building. Players who have impressed in domestic and IPL circuits are being rewarded with long-term investment opportunities.

Ishan Kishan Returns

After being dropped in the previous cycle, Ishan Kishan makes his return following his century for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Though his form post that knock hasn’t been outstanding, the innings reminded selectors of his capability and flair.

Key Takeaways from the 2024–25 Central Contracts

• Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are the biggest comeback stories of the year.

• Rishabh Pant’s promotion indicates faith in his future potential, despite a subdued return to cricket.

• Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Sarfaraz Khan are part of a new wave of talent that BCCI is banking on.

• Increased squad size (from 30 to 34 players) reflects BCCI’s focus on expanding the talent pool.

• Stability at the top continues with Rohit, Kohli, Bumrah, and Jadeja in Grade A+.

Conclusion

The BCCI Central Contracts for 2024–25 have balanced consistency with change. While senior players continue to occupy the top tier, the contracts highlight the Indian board’s intent to create a strong bench, reward domestic and IPL performances, and plan ahead for future ICC events.

This contract cycle sends a clear message: Indian cricket is preparing not just for the present, but for long-term dominance across all formats.