Under the new pay structure, Grade A has been streamlined to include only Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. These three now sit at the apex of the board’s financial ladder, commanding annual retainers of approximately ₹5 crore each. The transition highlights the BCCI’s intent to reward players who form the core of the squad across all three formats, effectively elevating Gill to the same status as the nation's premier fast bowler and its leading spin-bowling all-rounder. Meanwhile, the slide for Rohit and Kohli to the ₹3 crore Grade B bracket sees them joining the likes of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, reflecting a strategic valuation based on their reduced presence in the shortest format of the game.
The administrative reshuffle has not been without its casualties or controversies. The men’s contract list has been pruned to 30 players, leading to the high-profile exits of wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. Furthermore, the relegation of Axar Patel to Grade C has sparked significant debate among cricket analysts and fans alike. Commentator Aakash Chopra was among the vocal critics questioning the logic behind Patel’s demotion, noting that the spinner's consistent performances across formats appeared to warrant a higher standing. The board’s decision to place him in the ₹1 crore tier suggests a rigid adherence to new selection criteria that prioritizes future-facing roles.
This contractual realignment serves as a formal acknowledgement of the transition period currently facing Indian cricket. By tightening the purse strings and shrinking the elite tiers, the BCCI is sending a clear message regarding performance-based longevity and the necessity of multi-format availability. As the veterans move into the twilight of their international careers, the 2025-26 contracts provide a blueprint for a leaner, youth-centric squad designed to carry the ambitions of a billion fans into the next cycle of global ICC events.
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