In a recent announcement of the BCCI’s centrally-contracted players for the upcoming year, it was revealed that not only Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer but also four seasoned players, including Cheteshwar Pujara, have been dropped from the contracts. Kishan’s absence during Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy campaign and Iyer’s non-availability for Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal have resulted in their exclusion. This decision, in line with the BCCI’s directive for players to engage in domestic cricket when not on national duty, sends a strong message to young talents emphasizing the significance of first-class cricket over pursuing white-ball glory and IPL contracts.

Read More: Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer Lose Out On BCCI Central Contracts

Despite the exclusion of these youngsters, established players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retained their positions in the A plus category, the highest bracket. The A category includes senior off-spinner R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya. Notably, Siraj has been promoted, while Axar Patel moves down from A to B. The B category comprises players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and the promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Grade A

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R Ashwin, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya.#TeamIndia

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 28, 2024

Grade B

Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.#TeamIndia

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 28, 2024

Grade C

Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, KS Bharat, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan and Rajat Patidar.#TeamIndia

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 28, 2024

In a surprising development, veterans Cheteshwar Pujara, Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal have lost their contracts, signaling a change in selectors’ preferences. While this marks the end of the road for Pujara, there’s still hope for Chahal to make a case for himself through consistent performances. The selection committee has also recommended fast bowling contracts for promising players like Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa, with Akash Deep’s impressive debut in the recent Test against England earning him recognition.

Read More: ICC Rankings: Yashasvi Jaiswal Overtakes Team India Star In Tests

Interestingly, this time, the BCCI has chosen not to disclose the remuneration details of players across the four categories, deviating from the usual practice. Typically, players are paid Rs 7 crore per annum in the A plus bracket, Rs 5 crore in A, Rs 3 crore in B, and Rs one crore in C category, in addition to their match fees.