The latest BCCI Contract highlights why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may face a big pay cut as the board prepares its next contract cycle.
The new BCCI Contract Update has become one of the most talked-about topics in Indian cricket, as reports now suggest that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may face a strong pay cut in the upcoming central contract list. Both legends are currently in the A+ category, which gives them Rs 7 crore every year, but the revised list may shift them to the A category, reducing their retainership to Rs 5 crore.
This move is being considered because both players have stepped away from Test cricket and T20Is, formats that the BCCI uses to judge top-tier participation. The A+ grade is mainly given to players who regularly play in all three formats, and because that no longer applies to Virat Kohli and Rohit, their demotion is now highly likely.
The BCCI contract system always rewards consistency, fitness, and contribution across formats. It is divided into A+, A, B, and C grades, and each grade offers a fixed salary for the entire year. The board, the selectors, the coach, and the captain work together every cycle to decide which player fits into which category. Players who perform strongly in Tests usually receive higher priority because Test cricket remains the toughest format.
Officials also look at a player’s form and how regularly they play matches for India. Even a big-name player must meet a minimum match count in at least one format to stay in the system. That is why participation matters, not just reputation. The board also expects contracted players to play domestic cricket when they are not with the national team, especially the Ranji Trophy.
With Shubman Gill now leading India in Tests and ODIs, he is expected to join the A+ group as he plays all formats. Ravindra Jadeja may stay in the A+ category too, even after retiring from T20Is, because he continues to play Test cricket and remains key to India’s plans.
For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, a shift to the A category will not affect their match-fee earnings, but their yearly retainership will drop by Rs 2 crore. This change does not take away their status as icons of the game. It simply reflects the BCCI’s policy of rewarding players active across all three formats.
Even though fans may feel emotional seeing their heroes face a contract downgrade, the BCCI system is designed to motivate current and future players to stay active, contribute regularly, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
As the BCCI Contract Update moves closer to final approval, the focus remains on how Indian cricket is preparing for the next phase, where new leaders are stepping forward while legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue contributing in the formats they still play.
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