If you’re a cricket fan, you already know the names Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—two legends who have been the backbone of Indian cricket for over a decade. But here’s the latest buzz: both might face a Virat Kohli salary cut and Rohit Sharma pay deduction in the upcoming BCCI central contracts cycle. The reason? Their reduced involvement in Tests and T20Is could see them demoted from the elite A+ category cricketers bracket. Let’s break down what this means in detail.
BCCI Central Contracts: How They Work
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) releases contracts for players every year, categorized into four grades: A+, A, B, and C. These contracts are more than just paper—they’re a guarantee of annual retainership, separate from match fees. Essentially, even if a player doesn’t play a single game, they still earn their retainer.
The contract structure is designed to reward performance, incentivize participation, especially in Tests, and ensure professionalism. But the key question is: how does the BCCI decide who gets what?
The Four Grades Explained
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A+ Category: Reserved for elite, all-format players. Think of it as the VIP lounge of Indian cricket contracts.
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A Category: For regular players who consistently contribute but may not be active in all formats.
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B Category: Middle-tier players, often specialists or those with inconsistent form.
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C Category: Entry-level retainers for newer or fringe players.
Each grade comes with a fixed annual salary. Currently, the A+ category commands Rs 7 crore, while the A category pays Rs 5 crore.
How Grades Are Assigned
The BCCI doesn’t just throw out contracts randomly. There’s a careful evaluation process:
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Format Priority and Participation: Players excelling in Tests and ODIs often get a higher grade. All-format stars naturally sit in A+. For example, Shubman Gill’s rise in Tests could see him promoted to the A+ bracket soon.
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Performance and Consistency: It’s simple—good form pays off. Consistent performers get promoted, while dips in performance or fitness may lead to demotion.
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Minimum Match Criteria: Even legends like Kohli and Rohit must meet minimum match requirements in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is to remain eligible. Playing more games alone doesn’t guarantee a higher grade.
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Domestic Cricket Commitment: The BCCI has made it clear: centrally contracted players must make themselves available for domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy when not on national duty. Non-compliance has seen players like Shreyas Iyer lose contracts in the past.
The Current Scenario: Kohli and Rohit
Virat Kohli salary cut, Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma currently enjoy the A+ category, earning Rs 7 crore annually. But with limited involvement in Tests and T20Is, their active participation has declined.
Meanwhile, players like Ravindra Jadeja, who have retired from T20Is but remain central to the Test team, might retain their A+ status.
The Potential Pay Cut
If the BCCI follows through, both Kohli and Rohit could be demoted to the A category, earning Rs 5 crore instead of Rs 7 crore—a Rs 2 crore pay cut each. While this may seem significant, it reflects the board’s emphasis on active contribution and format participation.
Why This Demotion Makes Sense
Think of it like a performance review at work. Even the best employees get assessed based on current involvement, output, and consistency. Kohli and Rohit are legends, no doubt, but if you’re not actively contributing across formats, the rules apply to everyone.
The central contract system isn’t just about money—it’s about recognition, responsibility, and incentivizing players to maintain high standards on and off the field.
The Ripple Effect on Indian Cricket
This reshuffle might open doors for emerging stars. Players like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, or others performing consistently in Tests and ODIs could climb the ladder, moving into the A+ bracket. Essentially, BCCI is signaling that performance drives rewards, not reputation alone.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Social media is buzzing with opinions. Some fans argue that legends like Kohli and Rohit deserve immunity due to their legacy, while others insist active performance should determine pay. Either way, the move highlights a shift in BCCI’s approach to contract management—merit and participation over star power.
A Tough but Fair Move
While the potential pay cut for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma might raise eyebrows, it reflects the BCCI’s transparent and performance-driven contract system. Players are rewarded for contribution and consistency, encouraging even the biggest stars to stay actively involved. For emerging players, it’s a reminder that opportunity favors the diligent.
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Conclusion
Virat Kohli salary cut, Indian cricket is evolving, and the central contract system is a reflection of that change. Pay cuts for veterans like Kohli and Rohit aren’t just about money—they signal the beginning of a new era, where performance and presence define rewards. Fans may grumble, but cricket, like life, is about showing up and delivering when it counts.
