BCCI planning pay cut for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? Here's the update
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to review its central contracts during the upcoming Apex Council meeting on December 22, and one of the most significant points of discussion is the potential downgrade of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the prestigious A+ category. If approved, the move would lead to a pay reduction of INR 2 crore for both players, marking a major shift in India’s contract structure as it adapts to evolving formats and player roles. At present, Rohit and Kohli each hold A+ contracts worth INR 7 crore annually, the highest tier in the BCCI’s grading system.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely to lose their A+ central contracts?
However, their eligibility for this top bracket has come under scrutiny due to changes in their playing careers. Both legends retired from T20Is in 2024, and later from Test cricket in 2025, leaving ODIs as the only format they continue to represent India in. Their retention in the A+ category last season was primarily due to a backdated evaluation linked to their participation in Test cricket during the earlier part of the year. With their reduced involvement across formats, the BCCI is now reconsidering whether they still meet the criteria for the top contract tier.
With the new central contract cycle nearing, the BCCI is set to reassess whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should continue in the elite A+ category or be moved to Grade A, which offers an annual retainer of INR 5 crore. If the board opts for a downgrade, both players would see their retainers reduced by INR 2 crore, marking a significant financial adjustment that reflects their reduced participation across formats. The matter is expected to be one of the most debated topics during the December 22 AGM, even though the meeting will address several other administrative and cricket-related issues.
Despite the ongoing discussion about their contract status, both Kohli and Rohit have continued to deliver exceptional on-field performances. Rohit was named Player of the Series against Australia, showcasing his consistency and leadership in the ODI format. Kohli, on the other hand, earned the Player of the Series award in the IND vs SA ODI series this month, reaffirming his match-winning ability and elite form. Their recent displays underline their continued value to Indian cricket, making the contract debate even more complex. The final decision will likely set an important precedent for how the BCCI evaluates senior players who feature in fewer formats.
The upcoming meeting will also evaluate a potential promotion for India’s captain Shubman Gill, who is expected to move from Grade A to the A+ category, reflecting his expanded role and growing influence across formats. Meanwhile, senior players Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, both currently in A+, are also due for review, though they are widely expected to retain their positions given their consistent performances and multi-format contributions.
Another key agenda item is the long-awaited revision of payouts for women cricketers in domestic tournaments. After India Women’s historic ODI World Cup triumph, expectations for a financial overhaul have intensified. While pay parity already exists at the international level, domestic cricket has continued to face disparities. The BCCI is now prepared to address these gaps formally, marking a significant step toward improving the women’s cricket ecosystem.
Additionally, the council will discuss revised compensation structures for umpires and match referees, aiming to modernize and professionalize officiating roles. Updates to the BCCI’s digital platforms are also on the table as part of broader organizational upgrades. This AGM is especially significant as it is the first after the board’s administrative restructuring, with newly appointed president Mithun Manhas and treasurer Raghuram Bhatt leading the proceedings.
