The outcome of the title clash is being especially monitored by the BCCI for many reasons, including annual central contracts, while the Indian men’s cricket team is preparing for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. The formal announcement regarding the contracts had been delayed this time, which were put into public domain on 28 February last year.
According to The Times of India, the delay has been caused as the board wants to monitor the performances of the players during the Champions Trophy 2025 and award contracts afterwards.
Also, the BCCI may play around with A+ contracts that have four players: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.
Supposedly the top grade is disbursed to the top performers of the three formats. But since Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retired from T20Is after the world cup last year and then went on to have a dismal season in Tests with India failing to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship, these contracts are open for review.
A good show in Champions Trophy could work to their advantage.
“The board will wait for Rohit’s decision after the Champions Trophy. If by any chance he chooses to retire, then the board will see what needs to be done. One can’t discount the fact that he won the T20 World Cup in July and has led well in the Champions Trophy as well,” quoted a source to TOI.
Last year, BCCI took a hard view, denying contracts to Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who missed domestic cricket.
While Isan has not played in international cricket since November 2023, Iyer has been a significant part of India’s ODI setup, thus making him a likely candidate for the contract this time.
Last year, as many as 30 players were awarded central contracts, with six Grade A players, five Grade B and 15 Grade C.
In addition to that, the selectors have given fast-bowling contracts to five players-including Akash Deep, Yash Dayal, Umran Malik, Vijaykumar Vyshak and V Kaverappa.
