Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Proposal to Scrap A+ Grade, Greater Focus on Players Featuring in All Three Formats
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a significant change in its annual central contract system. According to sources, the selection committee has proposed scrapping the existing A+ grade and restructuring the contracts into just three categories—A, B and C. News agency ANI, citing sources, reported that under the proposed model, senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be moved from the current A+ grade to the B grade.
At present, the BCCI central contract system has four grades. Players in the A+ category receive ₹7 crore annually, those in Grade A earn ₹5 crore, Grade B players get ₹3 crore, and Grade C players receive ₹1 crore per year. This amount is paid in addition to match fees. The A+ grade currently includes players who are considered all-format regulars or are part of the board’s long-term core group.
Under the proposed new model, both the salary structure and the grading system may be revised. The emphasis is expected to shift strongly toward format participation. Players who are consistently available and play across all three formats—Tests, ODIs and T20Is—could be given preference for higher grades. On the other hand, players who feature in limited formats or play selective series may be placed in lower categories, regardless of their seniority or past stature.
Sources suggest that this proposed overhaul is linked to Team India’s future planning. The BCCI is reportedly keen on encouraging long-term commitment, fitness and availability, while also ensuring that younger, all-format players receive stability and recognition. Performance, fitness levels and team requirements are also expected to play a key role in determining contract grades under the new structure.
However, the proposal is not final yet. A decision will be taken at the upcoming Apex Council meeting, where the board will discuss whether the A+ grade should be completely removed or modified. If approved, this change would mark one of the biggest shifts in the history of India’s central contract system and could have a direct impact on several senior and star players of the Indian cricket team.