The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled its central contracts for the 2024–25 season on Monday, April 21, 2025, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The announcement has generated significant attention, particularly with the reinstatement of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were previously excluded due to non-participation in domestic cricket. This year’s list comprises 34 players, categorized into four grades: A+, A, B, and C.
Shreyas Iyer: A Journey from Exclusion to Redemption
Shreyas Iyer’s return to the central contracts list is noteworthy. Once a mainstay in India’s middle order, Iyer faced criticism after missing a Ranji Trophy fixture in February 2024, citing injury concerns. His absence, coupled with inconsistent form, led to his exclusion from the 2023–24 contracts.
However, Iyer’s resurgence was marked by stellar performances in the latter part of IPL 2024 and as India’s top run-scorer during their Champions Trophy victory in 2025 . His commitment to domestic cricket and improved fitness have earned him a spot in Grade B, entitling him to an annual remuneration of ₹3 crore.
Ishan Kishan: Overcoming Hiatus and Criticism
Ishan Kishan’s journey back to the central contracts list mirrors that of Iyer. After voluntarily taking a break from cricket for personal reasons and skipping the Ranji Trophy season for Jharkhand, Kishan faced exclusion from the previous contract cycle .
His proactive return to domestic cricket and commendable performances in white-ball formats have reinstated the board’s trust. Kishan’s inclusion in Grade C, with an annual remuneration of ₹1 crore, signals a potential resurgence in his international career.
Retention of Stalwarts in Grade A+
Despite announcing their retirement from T20Is earlier this year, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retained their positions in the prestigious Grade A+ category. They are joined by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, forming the elite group of cricketers who will earn an annual remuneration of ₹7 crore. Notably, only Bumrah continues to play across all three formats.
Promotions and New Entrants Reflecting Future Focus
The central contract list also features new entrants like Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma, highlighting India’s emphasis on nurturing emerging talents. The BCCI has underscored performance, availability, and domestic cricket participation as key criteria for contract eligibility. Players are eligible for a Grade C contract on a pro-rata basis if they have played a minimum of 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is during the eligibility period.
Comprehensive List of BCCI Central Contracts for 2024–25
The BCCI has maintained its grading system, categorizing players as follows:
Grade A+ (₹7 crore)
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Rohit Sharma
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Virat Kohli
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A (₹5 crore)
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Mohammed Siraj
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KL Rahul
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Shubman Gill
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Hardik Pandya
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Mohammed Shami
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Rishabh Pant
Grade B (₹3 crore)
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Suryakumar Yadav
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Axar Patel
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Shreyas Iyer
Grade C (₹1 crore)
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Rinku Singh
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Tilak Verma
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Ruturaj Gaikwad
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Shivam Dube
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Ravi Bishnoi
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Washington Sundar
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Mukesh Kumar
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Sanju Samson
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Arshdeep Singh
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Prasidh Krishna
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Rajat Patidar
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Dhruv Jurel
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Sarfaraz Khan
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Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Ishan Kishan
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Abhishek Sharma
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Akash Deep
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Varun Chakaravarthy
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Harshit Rana
The BCCI’s latest central contracts underscore a commitment to rewarding consistent performance, fitness, and dedication to domestic cricket. The reinstatement of players like Iyer and Kishan, alongside the inclusion of emerging talents, reflects a strategic vision aimed at sustaining India’s dominance in international cricket.
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