The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the Central Contract List for the 2025–26 season, and it is expected to bring some of the biggest changes seen in recent years. The new list reflects India’s shift toward the future, rewarding leadership, fitness, and multi-format availability.
Senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to face a downgrade, while Shubman Gill is set for a major promotion. At the same time, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is expected to make a return to the contract system.
Major Highlights of BCCI Central Contract 2026
- Shubman Gill likely to be promoted to Grade A+
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to be demoted from A+
- Ishan Kishan set to return to central contracts
- Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah to retain elite status
- Contract list expected to be announced within days
Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli May Be Demoted
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were earlier placed in Grade A+, the highest contract category, as they were active across all formats. However, both players retired from Test and T20I cricket, and now feature only in ODIs.
The top contract grade is generally reserved for players who are:
- Available in two or all three formats
- Regularly part of India’s playing XI
- Central to long-term team planning
With limited format participation, both Rohit and Virat are expected to move down to Grade A in the new cycle.
Read Also: T20 World Cup Team India Player List 2026
Shubman Gill Set for Promotion to Grade A+
Shubman Gill is likely to be the biggest gainer in the 2026 central contract list. As India’s current ODI and Test captain, Gill has become the face of the team’s future.
Key reasons behind Gill’s promotion:
- Captain in two formats
- Strong performance at home and overseas
- Excellent fitness record
- Long-term leadership role in team planning
Gill is expected to join the elite Grade A+ category, underlining BCCI’s trust in him as India’s next-generation leader.
Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah to Retain Elite Status
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah are expected to continue in Grade A+ due to their consistent presence and match-winning roles across formats.
- Jadeja remains a key all-rounder and senior leader
- Bumrah continues to lead India’s pace attack in all conditions
Their importance in all formats makes them automatic choices for the top grade.
Ishan Kishan Likely to Return to Central Contracts
Ishan Kishan is set to return to the BCCI central contract list after missing out previously. His strong domestic performances and selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 squad have significantly improved his chances.
He is expected to be placed in Grade B, marking a comeback after a period away from the contract system.
Expected BCCI Central Contract Structure (2026)
| Contract Grade | Expected Key Players |
|---|---|
| Grade A+ | Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah |
| Grade A | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (expected) |
| Grade B | Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (expected) |
| Grade C | Young and emerging players |
Final BCCI Central Contract 2026 placements may vary slightly once officially announced
BCCI Contract List (2024–25) – Team India (Senior Men)
Grade A+
| Player | Role | Age | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Batter | 38 | RHB |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | 37 | RHB |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler | 32 | RHB |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder | 37 | LHB |
Grade A
| Player | Role | Age | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | 31 | RHB |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 33 | RHB |
| Shubman Gill | Batter | 26 | RHB |
| Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder | 32 | RHB |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler | 35 | RHB |
| Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 28 | LHB |
Grade B
| Player | Role | Age | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | Batter | 35 | RHB |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | 31 | LHB |
| Axar Patel | Bowler | 31 | LHB |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | 24 | LHB |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter | 31 | RHB |
Grade C
| Player | Role | Age | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rinku Singh | Batter | 28 | LHB |
| Tilak Varma | Batter | 23 | LHB |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Batter | 28 | RHB |
| Shivam Dube | All-Rounder | 32 | LHB |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | 25 | RHB |
| Washington Sundar | All-Rounder | 26 | LHB |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler | 32 | RHB |
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 31 | RHB |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | 26 | LHB |
| Prasidh Krishna | Bowler | 29 | RHB |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter | 32 | RHB |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 24 | RHB |
| Sarfaraz Khan | Batter | 28 | RHB |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-Rounder | 22 | RHB |
| Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 27 | LHB |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batter | 25 | LHB |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | 29 | RHB |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Bowler | 34 | RHB |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler | 24 | RHB |
Possible Changes Beyond Player Contracts
Apart from player contracts, the BCCI is also expected to review a long-pending proposal to increase match fees for domestic umpires and match referees. This move could help strengthen the domestic cricket structure and address long-standing concerns.
See Also: India Next ODI Match: Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s
When Will the BCCI Central Contract 2026 Be Announced?
The central contract list is expected to be released within the next couple of days, marking the beginning of a new cycle focused on leadership transition and long-term stability.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Shubman Gill being promoted in BCCI central contracts?
Because he is India’s ODI and Test captain, plays multiple formats, and is a key part of future planning.
Q2. Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely to be demoted?
They now play only ODIs, while the top grade is usually reserved for multi-format players.
Q3. Will Ishan Kishan be part of the 2026 central contracts?
Yes, he is expected to return, likely in Grade B.
Q4. Who are likely to remain in Grade A+?
Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Q5. What other changes may be announced with the contracts?
The BCCI may also revise match fees for domestic umpires and referees.
