BCCI Central Contracts List- Rohit Sharma's fate uncertain, board delays announcement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to postpone the announcement of new central contracts for the men's national team until October 2025.

This delay in the announcement has sparked speculation about the future of senior Indian players, especially Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The BCCI was expected to release the central contracts for the men's national team in April 2025, following the announcement of the women's contracts in March.

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However, the board has not yet issued the new list. The existing contracts expired in mid-2024, leaving players without updated agreements.

BCCI to Delay Central Contracts as Rohit Sharma’s Future Could Be Decided in October

According to The Times of India, the Indian Cricket Board postponed the announcement of new central contracts for the men's cricket team.

India struggled in Test cricket, including a home series defeat to New Zealand and a poor tour of Australia.

There is uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s long-term role in the team and whether he will continue as captain for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which is the first outing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

BCCI contracts follow an October-to-September cycle, with the previous cycle ending in September 2024. Officials are expected to meet with selectors to evaluate the team’s direction and make decisions regarding senior players before finalizing the contracts.

Also read: Hardik Pandya ordered to demote Rohit Sharma in MI batting order amid poor form

BCCI to Conduct Detailed Review with Selectors and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir

The report added that the Indian Cricket Board officials are planning to conduct a thorough review with selectors and the head coach

Gautam Gambhir after the IPL 2025 season concludes. The central contracts for players, including the future of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, will be discussed.

“If one looks at the performances in the year 2023-24, India have won the T20 World Cup besides being consistent in the other formats. In that case, the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja don’t deserve being pushed down (in the gradation system of the contracts).

“The Test series loss to New Zealand at home and the debacle in Australia happened after October. The board doesn’t mind giving the payouts as per the last contracts. If the board gives fresh contracts in October, it will give a better idea of the vision of the future,” a BCCI source said, as quoted by The Times of India.

Indian Cricket Board Considering Reducing Support Staff Size

Shreyas Iyer, who was excluded from the central contracts list last year and dropped from the Test team, could regain his contract.

Young cricketers Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, who have played three Tests or more, could also be awarded central contracts in the upcoming list.

Apart from player contracts, the BCCI is reportedly considering reducing the size of the support staff, which could be addressed during the review.

The review will also focus on the upcoming Test series against England, where there is uncertainty about Rohit Sharma's participation and leadership.

Also read: Rohit Sharma gets immortalized as MCA names stand after WC-winning captain at Wankhede Stadium