BCCI Announces Player Contracts for Indian Men’s and Women’s Cricket Teams for 2025-26 Season

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the list of players who will be under contract for India’s senior cricket teams for the upcoming season from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This contract covers both the men's and women's national teams, specifying how players are graded and their respective statuses for the season. The announcement provides clarity on player recognition and their roles within the national teams, which is important for team planning, sponsorship, and player development. Key Highlights - The list includes players from both the men's and women's senior teams. - Players are categorized into three grades: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. - Several top players are placed in Grade A, indicating their premium status. - The contract details are made official for the upcoming cricket season. - The announcement was made by the BCCI through an official statement. Current Status The BCCI has officially released the annual contracts, which are valid from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This is a standard process each year to recognize the players and determine their retention status. The list includes players in various grades, reflecting their current form, contribution, and importance to the team. For the men’s team, three players are classified in Grade A: Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. The Grade B category features players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya among others. The remaining players, including Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, and Shreyas Iyer, are placed in Grade C. Similarly, the women’s team has four players in Grade A, including Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. Grade B features players such as Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, while the remaining are listed in Grade C, which includes Radha Yadav and Yastika Bhatia. Why It Matters This announcement is significant because it officially recognizes players' contributions and status within the national teams. It helps in team planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for upcoming international events. Moreover, the grading reflects the trust and confidence the selectors and management place in these athletes. The contract system incentivizes players, provides them with financial stability, and encourages them to perform at their best. It also gives fans and supporters a clear understanding of the team structure and the key players for the upcoming season. Important Dates / Numbers - Contract duration: October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. - Men’s team contracted players: 20 players across three grades. - Women’s team contracted players: 13 players across three grades. The detailed list highlights the number of players in each grade, showing the ranking and status of each athlete within the national team setup. Official Position The BCCI has confirmed the list of contracted players and their respective grades. This official announcement aims to maintain transparency and provide clarity on team composition for the upcoming season. The grades are based on recent performances, potential, and strategic importance for India’s cricket future. In conclusion, the annual player contracts for India’s senior men’s and women’s cricket teams set the stage for their preparations and performances in the upcoming season. The grading system helps in acknowledging key players and maintaining a structured team environment. Fans and stakeholders will look forward to seeing how these players perform as they represent India in international cricket.