Image: BCCI postpones central contracts amid Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertainty / © Crictoday
After being the subject of intense speculation, the BCCI has decided to delay the announcement of new central contracts for India’s men’s team until October 2025. The delay, following the women’s contracts revealed in March, has raised questions about the future of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, the current contracts expired in September 2024, and no updated list has been issued yet.
One of the key factors behind the delay is India’s recent performance, including a Test series loss to New Zealand at home and a poor tour of Australia. Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain, especially ahead of the crucial five-match home series against England in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, is under review.
The BCCI, following its October-to-September contract cycle, is expected to meet with selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir after IPL 2025. Players like Shreyas Iyer may regain their contracts, while promising talents like Nitish Reddy, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep could earn new deals.
Additionally, the board may trim the size of the support staff. A final decision will be taken post-review to shape India’s long-term vision, with senior players’ roles possibly being redefined.