The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing a major overhaul of its annual central-contract system that would remove the elite A+ grade and compress retainers into three tiers. The proposed change, put forward by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, would mean senior stars currently listed in A+ could be moved down a grade if the new model is approved by the BCCI apex council.
What the report says
According to multiple media reports, the selection committee has recommended doing away with the A+ bracket (the top pay tier) and keeping only A, B and C categories. If accepted, players who now sit in A+, notably Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, would be reclassified into a lower grade (reports indicate Grade B for some senior players), which would adjust their annual retainers under the new scale. The proposal is said to be driven by a desire to simplify the structure and align retainers with current roles and workload.
A short history of BCCI central contracts
BCCI central contracts began in 2004 as a way to professionalise pay and provide financial security to India’s leading players. Originally there were three categories (A, B and C) with fixed annual retainers; over time the system evolved. In recent seasons the BCCI introduced an A+ grade above A to recognise a small group of marquee players, with reported retainers around the following bands in recent years: A+ (₹7 crore), A (₹5 crore), B (₹3 crore) and C (₹1 crore). Match fees are separate and have their own scales.
Where Ro-Ko stand now & what could change
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been listed in the A+ grade in recent BCCI contracts, when they were playing all the three formats. However, the duo has now retired from T20Is and Test cricket & only wish to play ODIs. Under the proposed model, both could be shifted down the ladder, a move that would be symbolic as much as financial, sparking debate on how the board rewards longevity, continued performance and brand value.
Why the BCCI may be considering the change
Several practical factors appear to motivate the rethink. The selection committee and administrators are said to be aiming for: clearer lines between active multi-format players and those who have limited availability, a modernised pay structure that reflects current workloads and international commitments, and simpler administration with fewer categories to manage.
Proponents argue this could help direct more resources to up-and-coming players and better reflect contributions across formats. Critics warn that changing the top tier risks upsetting senior players and sponsors who value the prestige that comes with A+ status.
Financial and non-financial implications
Under the current public figures for retainers, a move from A+ to A or B would mean a lower fixed retainer each year, though match fees for Tests, ODIs and T20Is would remain payable separately. Beyond money, there’s reputational weight: grades are a public signal of a player’s standing with the board. Any change would therefore have both contractual and perception effects: on player morale, commercial deals and how selectors communicate long-term roles for senior stars.
Process and likely timeline
This is a committee recommendation at present; the change requires approval by the BCCI apex council. The board typically discusses retainers ahead of each annual cycle, and any overhaul would likely be timed to coincide with the next contracts announcement. Given the sensitivity, and the high profiles of the players involved, we can expect further consultations and possible tweaks before any rule change is finalised.
Reactions to expect
If implemented, the move will prompt strong reaction across the ecosystem. Senior players, player unions (where engaged), broadcasters and sponsors will watch closely. Fans and pundits are likely to debate the fairness of demotion for legends versus the need to reward current workload and form. Some former players and commentators have already signalled support for a merit-and-role based structure; others will call for discretion where a player’s contribution to Indian cricket transcends simple grade labels.
Bottom line
The BCCI’s reported plan to scrap the A+ category marks a significant potential shift in how India manages player retainers. If approved, it would reshape the public hierarchy of Indian cricketers: affecting pay, prestige and planning for marquee names such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. For now, the proposal remains under review; the final decision will come only after the BCCI’s governance organs debate the merits and practicalities of the change.
