Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket, have recently announced their retirement from Test cricket. This significant development has raised pressing questions about their future with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contracts, especially regarding their prestigious A+ contracts. Fans and cricket experts alike are eager to know if stepping away from the longest format will impact their elite status. This article delves into the latest updates, BCCI contract policies, and what lies ahead for Kohli and Rohit.
Understanding BCCI Central Contracts
The BCCI central contract system is designed to reward cricketers based on their contributions and participation across different formats. The contracts are divided into four categories:
| Grade | Annual Retainership (INR) | Criteria |
| A+ | 7 crore | Regular in all three formats |
| A | 5 crore | Regularly in at least two formats |
| B | 3 crore | Regularly in at least one format |
| C | 1 crore | Occasional appearances for India |
The A+ contract is the highest grade, typically reserved for players who consistently represent India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Recent Test Retirements: A New Chapter
- Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, after a distinguished career as both opener and captain.
- Virat Kohli followed suit on May 12, 2025, ending his Test journey as one of India’s most successful batsmen.
Both players had previously retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory, leaving them active only in ODI cricket for the national team.
Will Kohli and Rohit Lose Their A+ Contracts?
Current BCCI Stand
Despite their retirements from Test and T20I cricket, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will retain their A+ contracts for the 2024/25 cycle. This has been confirmed by BCCI officials, who clarified that contract statuses are determined based on performance and participation in the previous year. Since both players were active in all three formats during the 2024 evaluation period, they remain eligible for the A+ grade.
Key Reasons for Retaining A+ Status
- Contract Cycle Basis: BCCI contracts are reviewed annually, with the current cycle running from October 2024 to September 2025. Kohli and Rohit’s contributions in all formats during the previous cycle secure their A+ status for this period.
- Continued ODI Involvement: Both players remain pivotal to India’s ODI plans, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
- Legacy and Experience: Their presence in the dressing room and on the field continues to be invaluable as India transitions to a new generation of cricketers.
Future Prospects: What Happens Next?
While Kohli and Rohit will retain their A+ contracts for now, their status is likely to be reviewed before the next contract cycle. The A+ grade is traditionally reserved for multi-format players. If they continue to play only ODIs, they may be moved to the A or B grade in the 2025/26 cycle, depending on their involvement and performance.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Leadership Transition
With both Kohli and Rohit stepping away from Tests, India will look towards emerging stars for leadership roles. Shubman Gill is currently seen as a strong contender for Test captaincy, signaling a new era for Indian cricket.
Team Dynamics and Experience
The departure of such experienced players from the Test arena means younger talents will have to step up. However, Kohli and Rohit’s continued presence in ODIs ensures that their wealth of experience is not lost entirely, providing stability during this transitional phase.
Financial and Professional Security
Retaining the A+ contract means both players will continue to enjoy the highest annual retainership, along with associated privileges and support from the BCCI. This not only rewards their past contributions but also motivates them to perform at their best in the formats they continue to play.
Table: BCCI Central Contracts and Player Status
| Player | Test Status | ODI Status | T20I Status | Contract Grade (2024/25) |
| Virat Kohli | Retired | Active | Retired | A+ |
| Rohit Sharma | Retired | Active | Retired | A+ |
Also Read: Bangladesh Cricket Board Awaits Government Clearance on Pakistan T20I Tour
Conclusion
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s A+ BCCI contracts for the next cycle, 2024/25, will be kept even after their retirements from Test and T20I cricket. Their contracts are based on their performance and contributions in the last year, and their future in the ODI team is still critical. However, at the next cycle, their contract status will be reviewed, and in case they keep playing only one of the forms, they may be ranked down.
