Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Likely to Move to Grade B as BCCI Plans Central Contract Changes. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is planning a major change in its central contract system. The BCCI is likely to remove the elite A+ category from the annual players’ contracts. Only three categories, A, B, and C, are expected to remain.
Under this new system, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to be placed in Grade B. Both senior batters are no longer active across all three formats. This change reflects updated selection and participation criteria. Earlier, the central contract system had four grades. Grade A+ carried the highest annual retainer of ₹7 crore. Grade A players earned around ₹5 crore per year. B Grade players received close to ₹3 crore annually. Grade C players earned about ₹1 crore per year.
Why the A+ Category Is Set to Be Removed?
The A+ category was reserved for all-format regulars. Kohli and Rohit were part of this elite group for several seasons. Kohli retired from Test cricket in 2025. He now plays only One Day Internationals for India. Rohit Sharma has also stepped away from Tests and T20 Internationals.
Due to limited format participation, both players no longer meet A+ benchmarks. As per sources, Grade B is the most likely placement. Grade B usually includes players active in one or two formats. Kohli has scored over 13,000 ODI runs in his career. He averages above 57 in the 50-over format. Rohit Sharma has more than 10,000 ODI runs. He holds the record for three ODI double centuries.
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The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, suggested the changes. The proposal will be discussed in the next Apex Council meeting. The aim is to simplify the contract structure. The new system is expected to reward current multi-format players. Young and consistent performers may benefit from clearer grading. The BCCI has not made an official announcement yet. A final decision is expected soon.