BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 have set the cricket world abuzz! On April 21, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its annual player retainership for the 2024-25 season, spotlighting 34 players who will drive India’s cricketing dreams from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Cricket fans are thrilled as superstars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain in the elite A+ category, while Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan make a stunning comeback after last year’s exclusion.
With the IPL 2025 mega-auction looming, these contracts signal which players will dominate team strategies. How will this reshape the IPL 2025 battlefield? Let’s dive into the details, answer trending Google queries, and explore the game-changing impact on your favorite T20 league!
What Are the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 are annual agreements that reward Indian cricketers for their performance, consistency, and value to the national team. These contracts, effective from October 2024 to September 2025, ensure financial stability through fixed salaries, match fees, and perks like travel and medical support. Players are divided into four grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on their contributions across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. This year, 34 players secured contracts, with notable returns and new faces shaking up the list. The contracts also mandate participation in domestic cricket, like the Ranji Trophy, to nurture India’s cricketing roots.
| Grade | Salary (₹ Crore) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 7 | Elite multi-format players |
| A | 5 | Key players across formats |
| B | 3 | Consistent performers |
| C | 1 | Emerging stars and specialists |
Why It Matters: These contracts not only secure players’ futures but also signal the B 𝐶𝐶𝐼’𝑠 priorities for international and IPL 2025 success.
A+ Category Superstars: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and More
The A+ category, reserved for India’s cricketing titans, remains unchanged for 2024-25. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja continue to lead with ₹7 crore annual retainers, despite Rohit and Virat retiring from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Their dominance in Tests and ODIs, including Virat’s 218 runs in the 2025 Champions Trophy, justifies their top-tier status. Jasprit Bumrah’s 86 wickets in 2024 and Jadeja’s all-format brilliance further cement their spots.
| Player | Grade | Salary (₹ Crore) | Key 2024-25 Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | A+ | 7 | 257 runs in T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Virat Kohli | A+ | 7 | 76 in T20 World Cup final |
| Jasprit Bumrah | A+ | 7 | Player of T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | A+ | 7 | All-format consistency |
Fan Buzz: Fans on X are ecstatic about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retaining A+ status, with many calling them “legends forever.” Share your thoughts on these superstars in the comments!
Shreyas and Kishan’s Redemption: A Comeback Story
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s return to the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 is the talk of the town. Both were dropped in 2023-24 for skipping Ranji Trophy matches, sparking controversy. Shreyas, now in Grade B (₹3 crore), redeemed himself with stellar performances, including leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title and shining in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Ishan Kishan, awarded Grade C (₹1 crore), roared back with a century in his IPL 2025 debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, proving his T20 prowess.
| Player | Grade | Salary (₹ Crore) | Comeback Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | B | 3 | IPL 2024 win with KKR |
| Ishan Kishan | C | 1 | IPL 2025 century for SRH |
Why They’re Back: Shreyas’ leadership and batting, coupled with Ishan’s explosive form, convinced selectors to reinstate them. Their domestic cricket participation in 2024-25 sealed the deal.
New Faces in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 welcomed exciting new talent, reflecting India’s focus on youth. Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana earned maiden Grade C contracts (₹1 crore each). Abhishek’s T20I batting, Nitish’s century in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Varun’s Champions Trophy heroics highlight their potential. These players are set to be hot picks in the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
| Player | Grade | Salary (₹ Crore) | Breakout Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | C | 1 | T20I batting form |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | C | 1 | Test century vs AUS |
| Varun Chakravarthy | C | 1 | Champions Trophy wickets |
| Akash Deep | C | 1 | Test bowling impact |
| Harshit Rana | C | 1 | Emerging pacer |
What Fans Are Saying: X posts are buzzing with excitement over Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion, with fans tipping him as an IPL 2025 star. Who’s your favorite newcomer?
Full List of BCCI Contracted Players 2024-25
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 feature 34 players across four grades. Below is the complete list, showcasing India’s cricketing depth.
| Grade | Players | Salary (₹ Crore) | Total Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja | 7 | 4 |
| A | Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant | 5 | 6 |
| B | Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer | 3 | 5 |
| C | Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana | 1 | 19 |
Key Note: Rishabh Pant’s promotion to Grade A reflects his comeback from injury, while Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement led to his exclusion.
BCCI Contract Salaries Explained
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 offer tiered salaries, rewarding players based on their impact. Beyond annual retainers, players earn match fees: ₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20I. These financial incentives allow cricketers to focus on performance without monetary worries, while also supporting domestic cricket participation.
| Category | Annual Salary (₹ Crore) | Match Fees | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 7 | Test: ₹15L, ODI: ₹6L, T20I: ₹3L | Travel, medical support |
| A | 5 | Same as above | Same as above |
| B | 3 | Same as above | Same as above |
| C | 1 | Same as above | Same as above |
Why It’s Lucrative: The combination of retainers and match fees makes BCCI contracts among the most rewarding in global sports.
IPL 2025 Auction Impact: How Contracts Shape Strategies
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 are a goldmine for IPL 2025 franchises planning their mega-auction strategies. Players like Shreyas Iyer (Grade B) and Ishan Kishan (Grade C) are likely to command high bids after their reinstatement, with Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad eyeing their leadership and flair. Newcomers like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, backed by Grade C contracts, are poised to be auction steals, offering value and potential. The A+ quartet—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja—will remain focal points for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings.
| Player | Grade | IPL 2025 Team | Expected Auction Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | B | Punjab Kings | High bid due to captaincy |
| Ishan Kishan | C | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Explosive batting demand |
| Abhishek Sharma | C | Likely SRH | Young T20I star |
| Rohit Sharma | A+ | Mumbai Indians | Retained as MI icon |
Auction Insight: The IPL 2025 season, running from March 22 to May 25, 2025, will see teams prioritize contracted players for reliability and star power.
Why Were Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Reinstated?
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from the 2023-24 contracts shocked fans, as both skipped Ranji Trophy matches. Shreyas cited back spasms, while Ishan focused on T20 tournaments. Their 2024-25 reinstatement reflects their redemption:
- Shreyas Iyer: Led KKR to IPL 2024 glory, won Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Mumbai, and starred in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
- Ishan Kishan: Returned to domestic cricket for Jharkhand and smashed a century in IPL 2025 for SRH, signaling his T20I readiness.
BCCI’s Stance: The board rewarded their commitment to domestic cricket and international form, aligning with its emphasis on red-ball cricket.
Queries Answered
Who Are the BCCI Contracted Players 2024-25?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 include 34 players across A+, A, B, and C grades. Key names include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and newcomers like Nitish Kumar Reddy. See the full list in the table above for details.
What Is the Salary of BCCI Central Contracts?
Salaries range from ₹7 crore (A+) to ₹1 crore (C), with additional match fees of ₹15 lakh (Tests), ₹6 lakh (ODIs), and ₹3 lakh (T20Is). The structure ensures financial security and rewards performance.
How Do BCCI Contracts Impact IPL 2025?
BCCI contracts signal player value, influencing IPL 2025 auction bids. High-grade players like Rohit Sharma attract premium bids, while Grade C stars like Abhishek Sharma offer cost-effective talent, shaping team budgets and strategies.
What Fans Are Saying on X
X is buzzing with reactions to the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25. Fans are thrilled about Shreyas Iyer’s Grade B return, with many praising his Champions Trophy knocks. Ishan Kishan’s Grade C inclusion has sparked debates, with some calling for a higher grade. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden contract is a fan favorite, with posts predicting a breakout IPL 2025. Join the conversation—share your predictions for IPL 2025 in the comments!
Who’s your IPL 2025 game-changer? Drop your predictions below and share this article on X!
Also Read: IPL 2025 Full Schedule
FAQs: BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25
What Are the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 are annual agreements rewarding 34 Indian cricketers with salaries ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore, based on their performance across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. Effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, these contracts ensure financial stability, offer match fees (₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, ₹3 lakh per T20I), and promote domestic cricket participation like the Ranji Trophy. They reflect the BCCI’s focus on nurturing talent for international and IPL 2025 success.
Who Are the A+ Category Players in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are the A+ category players in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25, each earning ₹7 crore annually. Their retention highlights their dominance, with Rohit’s T20 World Cup 2024 leadership, Virat’s 218 runs in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Bumrah’s 86 wickets in 2024, and Jadeja’s all-format brilliance. These stars are pivotal for India and IPL 2025 franchises like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Why Were Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Reinstated in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were reinstated in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 after being dropped in 2023-24 for skipping Ranji Trophy matches. Shreyas (Grade B, ₹3 crore) led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title and excelled in the 2025 Champions Trophy, while Ishan Kishan (Grade C, ₹1 crore) smashed a century for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 and returned to domestic cricket. Their performances and commitment earned them a comeback.
How Do the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 Impact IPL 2025?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 guide IPL 2025 auction strategies by signaling player value. High-grade players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will command premium bids, while reinstated stars like Shreyas Iyer and new talents like Abhishek Sharma are expected to attract fierce bidding in the mega-auction before March 22, 2025. These contracts help franchises like Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad build competitive rosters for the IPL 2025 season.
How Many Players Are Included in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 include 34 players, categorized into four grades: A+, A, B, and C. This list, announced on April 21, 2025, features veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside emerging stars like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abhishek Sharma. The contracts, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, reflect India’s cricketing depth and set the stage for IPL 2025 strategies.
What Is the Difference Between BCCI Contract Grades A+, A, B, and C?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 are divided into grades based on player performance and impact. A+ (₹7 crore) includes multi-format elites like Virat Kohli. A (₹5 crore) covers key players like Rishabh Pant. B (₹3 crore) rewards consistent performers like Shreyas Iyer, while C (₹1 crore) supports emerging talents like Ishan Kishan. All grades include match fees and perks, ensuring financial stability.
Why Was Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
Rishabh Pant was promoted to Grade A (₹5 crore) in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 due to his remarkable comeback after a 2022 car accident. His explosive batting in the 2024 T20 World Cup and consistent Test performances, including a century against New Zealand in 2024, showcased his value. Pant’s promotion signals his pivotal role for India and Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.
How Do the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 Affect Player Availability for IPL 2025?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 require players to prioritize international and domestic commitments, potentially limiting IPL 2025 availability during overlapping schedules. However, with the IPL season (March 22 to May 25, 2025) designed to avoid major international clashes, contracted players like Shreyas Iyer and Abhishek Sharma are expected to be fully available, boosting franchises like Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Who Are the New Players in the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
The BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 introduced five new players in Grade C (₹1 crore): Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana. Abhishek shone in T20Is, Nitish scored a Test century against Australia, and Varun excelled in the 2025 Champions Trophy. These debutants are poised to be key picks in the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
Why Was Ravichandran Ashwin Excluded from the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25?
Ravichandran Ashwin was excluded from the BCCI Central Contracts 2024-25 following his retirement from international cricket in December 2024, after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite his stellar record, including 537 Test wickets, Ashwin’s decision to step away from India duties led to his omission. Fans still expect him to shine for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.