The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to abandon the A+ category in its central contracts for players. This decision arrives as a strategic move to streamline the contract structure and address the evolving landscape ofplayer participation across all formats of the game.

The A+ category, which offered the most lucrative annual retainers of ₹7 crore, was previously held by top stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, with Kohli and Sharma now exclusively playing ODIs and Jadeja having retired from T20Is, Bumrah remains the only consistent all-format player among them.

According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the primary reason for removing the A+ category is that the eligibility criteria are no longer being met by enough players. The requirement for the A+ bracket was consistent participation in all three formats of the game. With fewer players actively involved in all formats, maintaining a separate A+ tier became difficult to justify. "We are removing one category because the players who were eligible for the A-plus category are now playing just one of the three formats," Saikia stated.

The decision is not expected to result in any financial loss for players like Bumrah, who will likely continue to be placed in the highest category. It is also important to note that this decision is not out of spite towards any player, but rather a logical step given the current circumstances.

This restructuring could lead to a simplification of pay tiers and a more balanced compensation system across players. It may also reflect a greater emphasis on performance-based grading rather than seniority or past achievements. Selectors are also looking to promote younger players who consistently perform across all formats, aligning the contract structure with the national side's current composition.

While the removal of the A+ category may see senior players like Sharma and Kohli demoted to a lower grade, younger players such as Shubman Gill, who leads India in Tests and ODIs, are expected to be placed in the A category. Other players who remain active across formats, like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, could also see their positions and compensation adjusted.

The change reflects the BCCI's commitment to adapting to the evolving dynamics of the sport and ensuring a fair and sustainable contract structure for all players. The new central contracts are expected to be ratified at the next Apex Council meeting.