The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual player contracts for the 2023-2024 season. While some of the big names in Indian cricket retained their contracts, there were a few notable omissions that surprised fans and pundits alike. Two key players, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, were not considered for the central contracts this time around. A few days ago, the BCCI instructed all players that if they are not participating in the Indian international cricket team, they must make themselves available to play for their respective domestic teams.
Table of Contents
The Elite Bracket Remains Unchanged
In the top category, Grade A+, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja retained their contracts. These players are the highest earners and have been consistent performers for the Indian team. Their presence in the A+ category showcases their importance to the team and their contributions to Indian cricket.
Shreyas Iyer’s Contract Downgraded
Shreyas Iyer, who was previously in Grade B, did not make the cut this year. Despite fulfilling the minimum criteria set by the board in terms of matches played, Iyer lost his Grade B contract. Since October last year, Iyer has participated in four Tests, 12 ODIs, and two T20Is. However, his struggle for form in the ongoing series against England led to his exclusion from the central contracts.
Ishan Kishan’s Contract Not Renewed
Ishan Kishan, who had a Grade C contract last year, also missed out on a contract renewal. In the previous contract period, Kishan played two Tests, 19 ODIs, and ten T20Is. However, in the current cycle, he has only featured in two ODIs and three T20Is. Kishan’s absence from competitive cricket organized by the board since December has likely contributed to the decision not to renew his contract.
New Faces in the Central Contracts
While Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan missed out, there were some new entrants in the central contracts. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Test cricket sensation, received his first BCCI central contract. Jaiswal’s recognition comes after his impressive performances in Test cricket, including back-to-back double centuries against England.
Grade A and Grade B Contracts
In Grade A, alongside the established names like Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya, three players have been promoted from Grade B. KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Shubman Gill have earned Grade A contracts based on their consistent performances and contributions to the Indian team.
Grade B and Grade C Contracts
Suryakumar Yadav, the No. 1 ranked T20I batter, is part of the Grade B category. Alongside him, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and the young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal have also been awarded Grade B contracts. These players have shown promise and have the potential to make a significant impact on the Indian team in the coming years.
Grade C Contracts and Future Prospects
Grade C contracts have been awarded to several T20 specialists and young talents. Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, KS Bharat, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, and Rajat Patidar complete the Grade C list. These players have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn higher contracts in the future based on their performances.
Criteria for Grade C Contracts
The BCCI has clarified that all cricketers who play a minimum of three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis. This provision allows players like Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan to potentially be inducted into Grade C if they participate in the upcoming Test match against England.
Additionally, athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of 3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis.
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 28, 2024
For more details, click the link below 👇👇https://t.co/IzRjzUUdel #TeamIndia
Financial Incentives and Central Contracts Amounts
The BCCI did not disclose the amounts for each contract category, but it is expected that the contract amounts have increased from the previous year. In the previous contract period, Grade A+ contracts were valued at INR 7 crore, Grade A contracts at INR 5 crore, Grade B contracts at INR 3 crore, and Grade C contracts at INR 1 crore. The increased amounts reflect the growth and value of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
The announcement of the BCCI’s annual central contracts for the 2023-2024 season has brought both joy and disappointment for players. While established stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja have retained their contracts, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have missed out. However, new talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj have been rewarded for their performances with upgraded contracts. The central contracts serve as motivation for players to excel and contribute to the success of the Indian team in the coming years.
To know more keep visiting our website.
