Will BCCI Deduct Rs 2 Crore from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Salaries? Here's Why

The annual release of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's central contracts is always watched closely, especially since these retainers determine the financial standing and status of India's top cricketers.

With the next cycle approaching, discussions have intensified around a possible pay cut for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated players of modern cricket.

How the BCCI Contract System Works

The BCCI follows a structured framework for awarding central contracts, divided into four grades A+, A, B and C. Each category carries a fixed annual retainership that remains unaffected by the number of matches a player participates in. Match fees come separately and do not influence the grade.

Grade allocation is decided each year through deliberations involving the BCCI, the selection panel, the head coach and the team captain. Several key factors shape the outcome of these discussions.

Format Participation and Preference

Test cricket remains central to the contract strategy. Players who consistently contribute in the longest format are usually considered for the higher tiers, especially A+. This premium bracket is reserved for all-format performers. With his growing leadership profile and performances across formats, Shubman Gill is widely expected to earn a place in A+.

Performance, Consistency and Match Criteria

A player's on-field consistency across the previous cycle plays an important role. Strong performances often trigger promotions while an extended dip in form or fitness concerns may lead to category drops. Eligibility for even the lowest tier requires a minimum number of international appearances. Typically, this includes benchmarks such as three Tests or eight ODIs or ten T20Is within the cycle. Importantly, logging more matches does not automatically qualify a player for a higher grade.

Domestic Cricket Compliance

In recent years, the board has tightened its stance on domestic cricket participation. When not on national duty, centrally contracted players are expected to turn out for red ball tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. The enforcement of this rule has been a point of friction, with Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan previously losing their contracts for noncompliance.

Possible Salary Cuts for Kohli and Rohit

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma currently occupy the elite A+ bracket, but their absence from Test and T20I cricket is likely to impact their standing. Both have stepped away from multiple formats, and this reduced participation could prompt the BCCI to move them down to Grade A. Ravindra Jadeja, despite retiring from T20Is, may retain his A+ status since he remains a crucial part of the Test setup.

A demotion from A+ to A would reduce their annual retainership by Rs 2 crore. Grade A offers Rs 5 crore while the A+ category provides Rs 7 crore. If this adjustment takes place, it would mark a significant shift in the contract hierarchy for two of India's longest serving stars.