Overview
- Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the plan to remove the A+ category in the upcoming retainership cycle, saying eligibility standards are no longer being met.
- Final approval is expected at the next BCCI apex council meeting, with the annual retainership list due soon after.
- Last season’s A+ group comprised Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, several of whom no longer play across formats.
- Media reports indicate Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are likely to be reassigned to Grade B, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to feature in Grade A.
- The central-contract structure features tiers valued at ₹7 crore (A+), ₹5 crore (A), ₹3 crore (B) and ₹1 crore (C), with A+ now set to be discontinued.