December 11, 2025 (Navroze Bureau) ; The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a major overhaul of its central contract system, and early indications suggest that senior Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to face a significant pay reduction. As the board reviews the 2025–26 contract cycle, both players may be downgraded from the elite A+ category to Grade A, resulting in a ₹2 crore reduction in their annual retainers.
Why Kohli and Rohit May Face a Pay Cut
The A+ category of BCCI’s central contract is reserved for players who are active across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—or those holding high-involvement leadership roles. Historically, players in this category receive ₹7 crore annually as a fixed retainer.
However, both Kohli and Rohit have transitioned away from certain formats. Over the past year, they have significantly reduced participation outside ODIs, which has altered their relevance in the board’s multi-format planning. Rohit’s absence from T20Is post the 2022 World Cup phase and Kohli’s reduced involvement in long-format cricket have placed them outside the criteria typically considered for A+ retention.
The BCCI’s contract committee—comprising selectors, senior board officials, coach and captain—prioritizes players who participate across formats or have long-term involvement in national squads. With both stalwarts narrowing their international commitments, the board views Grade A, which carries a ₹5 crore annual retainer, as a more appropriate bracket.
Balancing Seniority and Present Contribution
The expected demotion is not a reflection of form or ability—both Rohit and Kohli continue to deliver match-winning performances. Instead, the evaluation focuses on current playing roles and future planning, especially with the rise of younger, multi-format players.
As India transitions toward its next cricketing phase, the BCCI aims to build a contract structure aligned with players’ actual availability, format involvement, and projected contributions. The board has consistently emphasized a performance-and-participation-based framework, making contract changes inevitable.
Changing Dynamics of BCCI Contracts
The central contract system divides players into four tiers:
- A+ Category: ₹7 crore
- A Category: ₹5 crore
- B Category: ₹3 crore
- C Category: ₹1 crore
These retainers are fixed and are independent of match fees, performance bonuses, or sponsorship earnings. A+ is the most exclusive tier and includes those considered indispensable across formats.
In the last few years, the BCCI has also begun enforcing stricter participation norms. Players who miss international games are now expected to participate in domestic cricket such as Ranji Trophy. This system was highlighted recently when players were warned or even dropped from contracts for avoiding domestic commitments.
While Kohli and Rohit have always been committed to national duties, their evolving roles and reduced multi-format workload have influenced the upcoming decision.
Emerging Players to Benefit
A possible consequence of this restructuring is the likely promotion of young talents. Players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, or Ravindra Jadeja—who continue to play in multiple formats—are expected to either retain or earn promotion into the A+ tier.
The BCCI is looking ahead to long-term team development, particularly with future ICC tournaments in mind. Contract promotions also reflect where the board envisions leadership and responsibility shifting over the next few years.
A Strategic Move Before the AGM
The final decision will be taken during the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 22. Apart from contract updates for the men’s team, the AGM is also expected to address:
- New central contracts for women cricketers
- Updated match fee structures
- Domestic cricket reforms
- Review of player workload and injury management policies
Insiders within the board indicate that while the step may appear tough, it aligns with the BCCI’s commitment to objective and transparent assessments. Senior players have taken pay cuts in the past as well, as contracts reflect current engagement rather than past reputation.
A New Phase for Indian Cricket
The potential salary cuts for Kohli and Rohit may signal the beginning of a broader, long-term shift in Indian cricket. As the team embraces new stars and transitions into a new generation, the contract system is evolving to support this direction.
Both Kohli and Rohit remain crucial assets, particularly in ODIs, where their experience is irreplaceable. However, the BCCI’s changing perspective emphasizes that constant multi-format availability, not just legacy, determines contract categories.
With the cricketing landscape rapidly evolving, the board aims to introduce a more performance-driven, involvement-based contract framework—one that keeps Indian cricket competitive on all fronts.
Summary
BCCI is set to downgrade Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from A+ to Grade A in the new contract list, cutting ₹2 crore from each player’s annual salary due to reduced multi-format participation.