BCCI Central Contracts: Will Ajinkya Rahane-Cheteshwar Pujara Retain Grade A? Rahul, Pant Eye Promotion to A+

New Delhi: Veteran batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s position in Group A of BCCI’s central contracts may be considered when the board finalizes its new list of contracted players for the upcoming season in a few days. Another big question is whether the top BCCI officials are in the mood to upgrade two future captaincy contenders KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant to the Elite A+ category along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.

There are four categories of BCCI – A+, A, B and C – with annual retainerships of Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively. Typically, it is three office-bearers, five selectors and the national head coach who decide the retainership.

As of now, there will be no massive changes in the 28 names in the final list, but there could be some serious discussion about the composition of the existing groups that existed last year. “Obviously, Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah being the three essential players will beyond doubt be in the A+ category across all formats. But now Rahul and Pant are slowly establishing themselves as all-format regulars, so it needs to be seen whether they both get promotions or not.”