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BCCI Central Contracts Explained: Who Gets What and Why It Matters
Hey there, cricket fans!
Ever wondered how Indian cricketers get paid outside the IPL? Or why some players are treated like royalty while others are still proving themselves? Well, it’s all thanks to the BCCI’s central contract system—a setup that decides who’s on top, who’s rising, and who needs to hustle harder.
Let’s break it down in a chill, chai-time style that anyone can understand. And yes, there’s real money, fame, and even controversy involved!
What is the BCCI Central Contract?
Think of it like a salary package—but instead of working a desk job, these players are smashing sixes, saving matches, and giving us heart attacks during close finishes.
Every year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gives central contracts to India’s top cricketers. These contracts are divided into four grades:
A+, A, B, and C—each with its own yearly pay and perks.
How Are Players Selected?
The BCCI looks at a few main things before deciding a player’s grade:
Performance: Are they scoring runs, taking wickets, and helping win matches?
Experience: Are they veterans who’ve been key to India’s success?
Formats Played: Do they play all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is?
Minimum Matches: To be considered, players must play at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is in a given time.
Perform well, and you can move up the ladder. Fall short, and you might drop—or get dropped completely, like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan in 2024 for skipping domestic games.
Let’s Talk Money (And Perks)
Besides their yearly salary (called a retainer fee), players also earn:
Match Fees: ₹15 lakh for a Test, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, ₹3 lakh for a T20I.
Bonuses: Century or 5-wicket haul? Extra ₹5 lakh. Double century? ₹7 lakh.
Perks: Free treatment at the NCA, travel reimbursements, medical cover, and access to world-class training.
And remember, this is just BCCI money—most players also earn crores through IPL deals and endorsements!
These grades aren’t just about money. They reflect a player’s contribution to Indian cricket. The system also encourages players to perform well across formats and remain committed to domestic cricket.
Every season brings changes based on form, fitness, and discipline. Miss matches or skip domestic tournaments (like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer did recently), and you might find yourself off the list.
