Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan return to India’s central contract list for 2024–25

BCCI promotes Rishabh Pant to Grade A as Iyer and Kishan make comeback to India's central contracts.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer of India celebrate after reaching their fifties during the second One Day International against South Africa at JSCA International Stadium Complex on October 9, 2022, in Ranchi, India. Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

India’s cricket board reinstated batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan in its central contract list for the 2024–25 season, marking their return after being excluded last year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the updated list on Monday, also revealing a promotion for wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to Grade A. The move comes after both Iyer and Kishan missed out on last year’s contracts due to non-participation in domestic tournaments, a key criterion for eligibility.

The BCCI’s central contracts are divided into four categories—A+, A, B, and C—with compensation and prestige varying accordingly. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja continued to hold the top A+ category positions, which remained unchanged from the previous year. These four players, often referred to as the backbone of Indian cricket, represent the highest echelon of consistent performers across all formats.

Rishabh Pant elevated to Grade A

One of the most notable changes in this year’s contract list is the elevation of Rishabh Pant to Grade A. The explosive wicketkeeper-batsman has been out of international cricket since his car accident in late 2022 but is on a comeback trail and has been making headlines for his rehabilitation progress and commitment to return. His promotion reflects the board's faith in his long-term value to Indian cricket.

Pant joins five other players in the A category: Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Shami. Each of these players has played a pivotal role for India across formats and has maintained a consistent presence in the national side.

Shreyas Iyer back in the fold after contract omission

Shreyas Iyer’s re-entry into the central contract list, under the Grade B category, comes as a relief for the right-handed batsman after he was dropped last year for skipping domestic duties. The BCCI had clearly communicated that compliance with domestic cricket commitments would be a factor in contract decisions. Iyer, who has shown flashes of brilliance in international matches and IPL, seems to have regained the board’s confidence.

Joining Iyer in Grade B are Suryakumar Yadav—India’s T20 captain—alongside Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and the emerging batting talent Yashasvi Jaiswal. All five players have been regular features in India’s white-ball squads, with Yadav and Jaiswal especially being central to the team’s aggressive batting approach in T20s.

Ishan Kishan’s return and Grade C classification

Left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan has been slotted into Grade C, signaling his return to the BCCI's long-term plans. Like Iyer, Kishan was not considered for the previous contract cycle due to non-participation in domestic cricket. His reinstatement into the Grade C category demonstrates the board’s willingness to give players a second chance, provided they align with selection policies.

Grade C this year comprises a large group of promising cricketers and fringe players who are either breaking into the international scene or maintaining roles in India's bench strength. The list includes Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar, among others.

Central contracts overview: A+ to C

The A+ category remains elite and exclusive, with just four names: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. These players earn the highest annual retainership, reported last year to be around $844,000 (approximately INR 7 crore).

Grade A, just below the top tier, consists of players earning approximately $603,000 (INR 5 crore). The category includes consistent all-format players such as Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, both of whom have become vital across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Grade B and Grade C players earn less—approximately INR 3 crore and INR 1 crore respectively—but still benefit from match fees and bonuses, making the central contract system a significant financial support structure for Indian cricketers.

Full central contract list for 2024–25

Category A+:
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja

Category A:
Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant

Category B:
Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer

Category C:
Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

Notable omissions and first-time inclusions

Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence from the list marks the end of an era, as the veteran spinner recently retired from international cricket. Once a mainstay in India’s red-ball dominance, Ashwin previously held a Grade A contract but is now officially off the board’s central contract roster.

Seven players have been included in the central contracts for the first time, including Sarfaraz Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana. Their inclusion is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket and the growing opportunities provided through domestic performances and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

BCCI emphasizes domestic participation

The BCCI has reiterated its emphasis on domestic cricket participation as a non-negotiable aspect for central contracts. Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped for skipping key domestic fixtures. Their re-inclusion in the new cycle shows they’ve aligned themselves with board expectations. This policy is expected to continue as a way to uphold the sanctity of India’s domestic cricket calendar and promote emerging talent through state teams.

Young blood rises in Grade C

The Grade C category has emerged as a launchpad for young talent, with players like Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad gaining recognition. These cricketers have been part of India’s T20 setup and are expected to be crucial in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

This list also reflects the board’s commitment to nurturing potential and building a pool of 30+ contracted players who can slot into any format when required. The presence of multiple all-rounders, spinners, and pace options suggests a holistic approach to team balance.

Central contracts as strategic roadmap

India’s 2024–25 central contracts serve as more than just a financial incentive; they also outline a strategic roadmap for the national team. With key tournaments such as the Champions Trophy and a T20 World Cup on the horizon, the list gives a strong indication of who will likely feature in India’s plans.

For returning players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, it’s a fresh opportunity to solidify their place in the team. For rising stars like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhishek Sharma, the contract is both a reward and a challenge to perform consistently.

As always, central contracts reflect not just past performance but also potential, discipline, and alignment with BCCI’s long-term vision. With experience, youth, and strategic inclusions, the 2024–25 list paints a dynamic picture of India’s cricketing future.