BCCI is contemplating eliminating the A+ central contract tier, which could lead to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being downgraded to category B.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be considering a revamp of its Central Contract tier structure. As per ANI, the board could eliminate the highest A+ category, previously designated for all-format athletes such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.
What Does Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Mean for Central Contracts?
The report stated that Kohli and Rohit, having retired from Tests and T20Is, could be moved to the ‘B’ category for the first time in more than ten years. The report stated that the Ajit Agarkar-led men’s selection committee has suggested a new system featuring only three categories — A, B, and C — which is awaiting approval.
Revealed in April 2025, the central contracts for 2024–25 position Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja in the elite A+ category. Grade A includes Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Rishabh Pant.
Grade B consists of Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. Grade C consists of 19 players, primarily one-format stars, which include: Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Verma, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Kishan, Prasidh Krishna, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Rajat Patidar, Mukesh Kumar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, and Shivam Dube
What Are the Current Salary Differences Between Grade A, B and C Players?
A+ category players make Rs. 7 crore each year, there’s a retainer of Rs. 5 crore for Grade A, Rs. 3 crore for Grade B, and Rs. 1 crore for Grade C. The BCCI rearranges the players among categories, includes some and eliminates others annually based on their reputation and game appearances across formats.
Every few years, the BCCI raises the retainer fees for different categories as well. This year, with only three categories, the value is expected to multiply significantly, although the report stated that this will be determined at the upcoming Apex Council meeting of the central board.
With Jadeja retired from T20Is and his abilities waning in ODIs, and Bumrah often rested for bilateral series, there are no experienced all-format players. Many prominent in over two formats are young players such as Rana and Reddy, who are still establishing themselves in certain environments
How Did the Cavaliers Accidentally Score for the Timberwolves?
January 12, 2026
Nae’Qwan Tomlin of the Cleveland Cavaliers unintentionally directed a jump ball into his own hoop, giving the Minnesota Timberwolves two points in a 146–134 victory for the Cavs. The Cleveland Cavaliers might have triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night — yet for one strange instance, they also tallied points for the rival team.
28,000 Runs in 624 Innings: Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar
January 12, 2026
Virat Kohli Overtakes Sachin Tendulkar | On Sunday, during the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi International Stadium (BCA) in Vadodara, Virat Kohli achieved 28,000 international runs. He became the quickest player to reach the milestone, doing so in 624 innings. The former record was set by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the milestone
“I Don’t Feel Good About It”: Virat Kohli Calls Out Crowd Cheering Indian Wickets
January 12, 2026
Virat Kohli voiced his unease over fans celebrating Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, noting he witnessed similar behavior towards MS Dhoni and feels ‘uncomfortable with it’. Virat Kohli stated on Sunday (January 11) that he ‘doesn’t feel comfortable’ when the home fans cheer and celebrate an Indian player getting out, merely to witness the legend come to
Where Did Daniil Medvedev Win His 22nd Career Title?
January 12, 2026
Daniil Medvedev triumphed at the Brisbane International, securing his 22nd career title in a distinct 22nd city. Pitbull may need to clear some space — tennis has a fresh Mr. Worldwide, and he’s called Daniil Medvedev. World No. 13 Medvedev began 2026 in impressive fashion, maneuvering and battling his way to the Brisbane International title
How Did Endrick Perform on His Lyon Debut? One Goal, One Statement
January 12, 2026
Endrick dazzled in his Lyon debut, netting the crucial goal against Lille in the Coupe de France and propelling Lyon to the round of 16. Endrick quickly caught France’s attention. On a chilly evening in northern France, the 19-year-old Brazilian scored on his debut for Lyon, appearing at the far post to secure a 2–1
Why Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace Will Be Remembered as the Greatest FA Cup Shock
January 11, 2026
Macclesfield shocked Palace 2-1, marking the first time a non-league team has knocked out FA Cup champions. The 117-place gulf is currently the biggest disparity ever bridged in FA Cup history. Sixth-tier Macclesfield FC achieved the most remarkable upset in the tournament’s history, eliminating defending champions Crystal Palace 2-1, causing a stir in English football.
Who Won the United Cup Semi-Final Between Poland and USA?
January 11, 2026
Poland narrowly defeated the USA 2-1 in Sydney to secure a spot in the United Cup final, as Kawa and Zielinski clinched the win. Switzerland defeated Belgium 2-1, with Belinda Bencic in the lead. Also Read | How Did Macclesfield Beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup? United Cup 2026: Poland Knock Out Defending Champions
How Did Macclesfield Beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup?
January 11, 2026
John Rooney’s Macclesfield shocked Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup, resulting in Wayne Rooney feeling emotional and proud as his brother’s team achieved history at Moss Rose. Wayne Rooney struggled to hold back tears as his younger brother engineered one of the biggest surprises in FA Cup history. John Rooney’s Macclesfield, a mid-table team
Graeme Smith Wishes South Africa Can Beat India in Home T20 World Cup
January 11, 2026
Graeme Smith is optimistic that South Africa will triumph over India in the T20 World Cup final hosted at home, supporting SA20 as an ideal preparation and commending the increasing depth of the Proteas in white-ball cricket. South Africa ranks among the World Champions after they astonished Australia in the World Test Championship last year
One Last Roar in Melbourne: Stan Wawrinka’s Possible Farewell Set for 2026 Australian Open
January 10, 2026
Stan “The Man” Wawrinka receives a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open, signaling a potential goodbye at Melbourne Park, the site of his initial major victory. Stan “The Man” Wawrinka is returning to Melbourne, and this time it’s going to be impactful. Tennis Australia has officially granted the 40-year-old Swiss icon a wildcard for the