Jasprit Bumrah Suryakumar Yadav. Image Credits: AFP
Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah could soon receive compensation from BCCI after a ₹2 crore gap emerged. Notably, reports suggest that the BCCI is considering changes to its pay structure for the 2025–26 annual player retainership. This possible revision has come after the board removed the top A+ category from the central contract system.
Last month, the BCCI announced the updated central contract list for Indian players. Several changes were introduced at that time. One major change that stood out was the removal of the A+ category, which earlier represented the highest pay grade for Indian cricketers.
What was the reason behind the removal of the A+ category?
The decision to remove the A+ category came after the board noticed a shortage of players who regularly compete in all three formats. Earlier, players in the A+ category received ₹7 crore per year. Meanwhile, players in Grade A earned ₹5 crore, Grade B players earned ₹3 crore, and Grade C players received ₹1 crore annually.
Notably, the change started after some senior players stepped away from certain formats. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is. As a result, Jasprit Bumrah became the only cricketer who was still active across all three formats.
For several years, Jasprit Bumrah had remained a permanent member of the A+ group since the 2018–19 season. However, after the latest restructuring, he was moved to Grade A.
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In this category, he now shares the bracket with Ravindra Jadeja and India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill. Interestingly, even the players have not yet been officially informed about the revised contract values for the new cycle.
This situation created an imbalance in the contract system. Therefore, the BCCI decided to remove the A+ category altogether.
BCCI to give possible compensation to Jasprit Bumrah
Although the category has been removed, reports indicate that the BCCI may adjust Bumrah’s payment to ensure he does not face a financial reduction. According to a report by The Times of India, the board is exploring ways to compensate him for the difference in salary.
A BCCI source explained the situation by saying, “The board is trying to figure out how Jasprit Bumrah can be compensated. It is understandable that it would be unfair to slash his fees from Rs 7 crore to Rs 5 crore. There are some other players as well who seem to have moved down a grade despite strong performances. There could be a revision in the valuation of the contracts."
Other Indian players who may benefit from revision
Meanwhile, India’s T20I vice-captain Axar Patel may also see a change in his contract value. He currently plays an important role in India’s white-ball teams. Despite meeting earlier requirements for a higher grade, Axar has been placed in Grade C, which offers ₹1 crore per year.
Therefore, the BCCI may reconsider the valuation of some contracts in order to reward consistent performers properly.
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