The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to announce the new central contract by next month after keeping the players waiting. The apex cricketing body in the country delayed the announcement due to elections and the appointment of a new selection committee. But BCCI has the list ready with some major changes and can reveal it anytime now. While some players are set for a big promotion, India’s veteran batter might miss out on getting a central contract.

As per reports doing the rounds, veteran opener S hikhar Dhawan might miss out on getting a central contract as he is being considered out of favour now. Meanwhile, the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill might get a big promotion. Pandya, who is the new captain of India in T20Is is set to get promoted to Grade A with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill following him. 

Surya is currently the No.1 T20I batter in the world and is slowly cementing his place in the ODI setup too. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has become an all-format regular. These two batters will be the significant gainers in BCCI’s new central contract set to be announced next month. 

“Yes, there has been a little delay due to elections and the selection committee. The final discussions are already done. It should be out by next month,” a senior BCCI official was quoted saying by InsideSport on Saturday. 

BCCI to increase annual salary

The second big development around the new central contract is that the Indian cricket board is all set to give its players a long-due raise. BCCI has decided to give a hike of 10-20% to players in every grade. 

“Yes, it is under consideration. See, every 5 years, the annual salary increases. Our players are also due a raise. With more and more cricket at this moment, I think the players deserve it. But it is a collective decision and everyone has to come on board. But if you compare it with England’s salaries, our players earn more from match fees,” the senior BCCI official said.

Notably, it’s reported that after the hike, Grade A+ players will get 10 CR with Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C players earning 7 CR, 5 CR, and 3 CR respectively.