The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly finalized the annual central contracts for the 2025-26 season. According to latest reports, the board has trimmed the list of contracted players from 34 in the previous year to 30 for the upcoming cycle. The most significant developments include the exclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, while this update comes just as Team India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin in India and Sri Lanka.
BCCI Central Contracts 2025-26: Key Changes and Exclusions
The BCCI annual central contracts are designed to categorize players based on their seniority, performance, and format-specific importance. These contracts ensure a fixed annual salary for the players, regardless of the number of matches played. For the 2025-26 season, the board has opted for a leaner list. While the official announcement is awaited, reports suggest that five players from the previous list have been dropped, while one new face has been added to the roster. The reduction in the number of contracts indicates a more stringent selection criteria adopted by the national selection committee.
The Ishan Kishan Paradox: Return to Squad but No Contract
Ishan Kishan's exclusion has raised eyebrows in the cricketing fraternity, especially since he recently made a comeback to the national side for the T20 series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. In the 2024-25 season, Kishan was part of Grade C, earning ₹1 crore annually. Despite his explosive batting form in recent domestic and comeback matches, the board has reportedly decided not to include him in the initial list for the new season. According to analysts, his long absence from the national setup prior to this comeback might have influenced the board's decision to wait for more consistent international appearances.
Mohammed Shami and the End of an Era in Grade A
Another major exclusion is that of veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami, who held a Grade A contract worth ₹5 crore last year, has been out of the national team since the Champions Trophy 2025. Reports suggest that recent friction with the selection committee and fitness concerns have led to his removal from the central contract list. Along with Shami, young batter Sarfaraz Khan, pacer Mukesh Kumar, and Rajat Patidar have also lost their Grade C contracts. On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan has been rewarded with a spot in the list following his impressive performances in the domestic circuit and limited opportunities with the national team.
Analysis of Selection Strategy and Future Implications
According to experts, the BCCI's revised list reflects a strategic shift towards building a younger core for future ICC events. The exclusion of established names like Shami and the omission of Kishan suggest that the board is prioritizing players who are consistently available across formats. However, the BCCI policy allows for players to be added to the contract list mid-season if they meet specific criteria, such as playing a certain number of international matches, while Because of this, players like Ishan Kishan could still earn a contract based on their performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
So, to wrap up, the 2025-26 central contract list marks a period of transition for Indian cricket. While the board has shown a firm hand by excluding senior players and those with inconsistent availability, it has also opened doors for emerging talent like Sai Sudharsan. The final official list will provide more clarity on the grading of the 30 retained players and the financial structure for the new season.