🏏 BCCI to Demote Virat & Rohit? A Deep Dive into India Cricket’s Contract Reboot
In January 2026, several major Indian news outlets reported a possible restructure of player retainers by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that could see two of the country’s biggest cricketing stars — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — moved out of the elite highest contract tier into a lower bracket. This development has sparked intense discussion in cricketing circles, prompting questions about the future of senior players and the evolving priorities of India’s cricket administration.
📌 Background: How BCCI Contracts Work
To understand the news, it helps to know how the BCCI structures its central player contracts.
The Central Contracts System
The BCCI’s annual “central contracts” system classifies India’s international cricketers into graded retainers. These contracts govern:
- Annual retainer fees
- Match fees
- Other financial benefits
Historically, there have been four main contract grades: A+, A, B, and C, with the A+ category reserved for the most established and high-impact multi-format players.
In the last cycle (2024–25), Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — among the biggest names in Indian cricket — were included in the top A+ category, reflecting not just their calibre but their perceived ongoing value to Indian cricket. Other senior players shared this space, signifying elite status and commensurate pay.
🔄 What’s Changing: Proposed New Contract Structure
The Reported Shift
Multiple news reports on January 20, 2026, indicate that the BCCI is considering scrapping the A+ category entirely in a bid to overhaul the contract structure. Under the proposed model:
- Only three tiers would remain: A, B, and C
- The A+ bracket — which currently carries the highest retainer — would be removed
- Players previously in A+ would be redistributed into the remaining tiers
If approved at the upcoming Apex Council meeting, this restructure would see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma likely placed in Grade B.
Why It Matters
Moving from A+ to B category is significant in two respects:
- Financial Impact: Each category has an associated retainer value, with Grade B significantly lower than the top tier. Reports suggest this could result in pay cuts for Kohli and Rohit.
- Symbolic Implications: Being shifted out of the elite tier can be perceived as a downgrade for legendary figures in Indian cricket.
This move also aligns with similar past discussions where senior players faced pay reductions due to reduced multi-format involvement.
🧠 Why the Change? Key Reasons Behind the Shakeup
1. Limited Format Involvement
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have stepped away from Tests and T20 Internationals, focusing mainly on One Day Internationals (ODIs) in recent times. Because the A+ category was typically granted to players active across multiple formats, this limited scope became a key factor in reassessment.
2. Selection Committee Recommendation
The proposal is believed to stem from the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, which has suggested removing the A+ bracket from the retainers. The committee’s argument appears rooted in rewarding current involvement and workload rather than past status.
3. Shifting BCCI Strategy
There are broader strategic reasons behind this revamp:
- Promoting younger talent: As India cricket transitions, newer players like Shubman Gill have been rising through ranks and taking leadership roles.
- Aligning pay with contributions: The BCCI may be seeking to better align contract grades with actual formats played, recent performance and long-term team planning.
4. Economic & Structural Review
The BCCI periodically reviews central contracts to maintain fairness, sustainability, and performance incentives. This overhaul is reportedly one of the most significant structural changes in recent years.
📊 What This Means for Kohli & Rohit
Financial Considerations
According to past contract structures:
- A+ contracts were valued at the highest retainers
- B category carry significantly lower retainers
Thus, a move to Grade B could reduce annual retainer earnings for both players. Several outlets also mention the possibility of pay cuts as a direct result of the demotion.
Perceptions & Legacy
Both Kohli and Rohit are cricketing icons:
- Virat Kohli is one of India’s most prolific batters across eras.
- Rohit Sharma captained India to major tours and global events.
Even so, the proposed change isn’t disciplinary but reflects current role focus — i.e., participation solely in the ODI format, not diminished performance. This distinction matters in evaluating the decision objectively.
Reactions from Fans & Experts
While detailed reactions are still unfolding, early commentary reveals a mix:
- Some fans see the move as a natural evolution tied to format specialization.
- Others view it as undervaluing legends who continue to contribute significantly in their current format.
At this stage, official BCCI confirmation is still awaited.
📈 Impact on Other Players & the Team
Emerging Players
The restructure may open new opportunities for players currently in Grade A or B to move up as top performers across formats. Young talents and all-format contributors could benefit from the simplified structure and clearer performance metrics.
Contract Distribution
If the A+ category is scrapped:
- Some players may move into Grade A
- Others into B or C, based on involvement and performance
This could lead to a more dynamic contract environment, where selections are tied closer to current participation.
Leadership Roles
Shubman Gill, for example, who is leading India in Test cricket, represents the new generation poised for longer-term roles across formats, potentially strengthening his position in central contracts.
📌 BCCI’s Official Position & Next Steps
As of now, the BCCI hasn’t released a formal statement confirming the restructure or its implementation. The changes are anticipated to be finalised at an upcoming Apex Council meeting, where the board will decide both the contract grades and the revised financial framework.
This meeting is crucial because it will determine how the changes are implemented, including:
- Final contract tier structure
- Monetary details for each grade
- Confirmation of player reassignments
🌐 What This Says About India Cricket’s Future
Modernisation and Meritocracy
This shift reflects a broader trend in global cricket toward:
- Aligning player remuneration with current contributions
- Encouraging multi-format involvement or strategic specialization
- Creating a more merit-driven framework for contracts
Balancing Legacy and Future
For Indian cricket, the challenge will be honouring iconic players while building a future-ready squad. Kohli and Rohit still play important roles in ODIs — especially with upcoming events like the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle — but their impact in multi-format cricket has changed.
Fan Engagement
These developments will shape fan conversations about fairness, recognition and the pace of generational transition.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The reported BCCI plan to demote Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the elite A+ contract tier into Grade B is not just a contractual adjustment — it’s a symbol of strategic evolution within Indian cricket.
Whether this move will be remembered as a fair reflection of modern cricket realities or a controversial undervaluing of legends will depend on:
- The final decisions taken by the BCCI
- How transparently the board communicates the rationale
- The performances of all players in the next season
For now, this story highlights how even in a sport rooted deeply in tradition, structures evolve to fit changing formats, priorities, and competitive landscapes — and how that evolution impacts players, fans, and the very fabric of the game.