The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to unveil its annual contracts list for the upcoming season, and anticipation is running high among players and fans alike. According to reports from Cricbuzz, several young talents are poised to receive their maiden contracts, alongside some established stars. Among the most notable inclusions is Abhishek Sharma, who has made a significant impact in the IPL 2024 and the international arena.
Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed batter representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, is expected to be placed in Grade C, which comes with an annual retainer of INR 1 crore. His performance has been nothing short of impressive; since the start of IPL 2024, he has consistently showcased his batting prowess, scoring a remarkable century during a recent series against England. With 17 T20I appearances to his name, Abhishek has proven himself as a key player for the Indian team.
Joining Abhishek on the list is Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder who has also caught the selectors' attention. Nitish has played five Tests and four T20Is, making a significant mark during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His exceptional performance, including a century, has made him a rising star in Indian cricket.
However, the inclusion of fast bowler Harshit Rana has raised eyebrows, as he does not meet the BCCI's eligibility criteria. According to BCCI policy, a player must have participated in at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is to qualify for a contract. Harshit has played two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I, which individually do not satisfy the requirements. Yet, the BCCI is reportedly willing to make concessions due to his overall contributions to the team, especially during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Another player anticipated to feature in the BCCI contract list is Varun Chakravarthy. The mystery spinner has made significant contributions to the Indian team, especially in the recent Champions Trophy, where his performances left opposition batters bewildered. With 18 T20Is and four ODIs under his belt, Varun's inclusion seems well-deserved.
Shreyas Iyer is also set to make a return to the BCCI's annual contract list after being dropped last year for not participating in domestic cricket. Iyer's resurgence as a leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy has solidified his position as a crucial player for the Indian team.
As the BCCI prepares to announce the contracts, fans are eager to see how the selections will unfold. The decisions have reportedly been finalized in recent meetings, and the announcement is expected within the next few days. Senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are anticipated to retain their spots in the top A+ category, with minimal changes expected in their contracts.
In summary, the upcoming BCCI contracts list promises to reward young talent while also recognizing the contributions of established players. As cricket fans eagerly await the official announcement, the excitement surrounding the future of Indian cricket continues to grow.
