In a move reflecting a significant shift in player evaluation and diplomatic ripples, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its BCB central contract 2026 list. The new roster sees the total number of contracted players expand to 28, up from 22 last year. However, the biggest headline is the complete removal of the elite "A+" category, a decision that has reshuffled the hierarchy of Bangladesh’s top cricketing stars.
The End of the A+ Era
The decision to exclude the Grade A+ category marks a strategic pivot by the board. Previously reserved for all-format regulars, the BCB noted that a lack of consistent multi-format participation led to the dissolution of the top bracket.
This change directly impacts veteran pacer Taskin Ahmed, who was the sole occupant of the A+ tier in 2025. Following a season plagued by an Achilles injury that sidelined him from Test cricket, Taskin has been moved to Grade A. Despite the shift, he remains a vital asset in white-ball cricket, having claimed 32 wickets across ODIs and T20Is in the previous calendar year.
Mustafizur Rahman Retains Grade B Amid IPL Turmoil
Left-arm pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman has retained his Grade B status in the BCB central contract 2026. His retention comes at a turbulent time for the bowler, following his high-profile exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Initially signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering âš9.20 crore, Mustafizur's contract was terminated following security concerns and diplomatic tensions. This chain of events eventually led to Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup 2026, where they were subsequently replaced by Scotland. Mustafizur has since found a new professional home with the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.
Promotions and Notable Demotions
The 2026 contract list rewards several rising stars while signaling a "performance-first" approach for veterans:
-
Grade A Leaders: Captain Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz join Taskin Ahmed in the top tier, commanding a monthly salary of approximately 8 lakh BDT.
-
The Rise of Youth: Four players—Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Rishad Hossain, Shadman Islam, and Shak Mahedi Hasan—have been promoted to Grade B. Tanzid was the nation’s leading T20I run-scorer in 2025, while Rishad dominated the wicket-taking charts.
-
Mushfiqur’s Transition: Following his retirement from the ODI format, veteran Mushfiqur Rahim has been moved down to Grade B, reflecting his shift toward specialized red-ball cricket.
BCB Central Contract 2026: Full List at a Glance
| Grade | Key Players Included |
| Grade A | Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed |
| Grade B | Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Tawhid Hridoy, Tanzid Tamim, Rishad Hossain |
| Grade C | Soumya Sarkar, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed |
| Grade D | Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nayeem Hasan, Shamim Hossain |
Why This Matters for Bangladesh Cricket
By expanding the contract list to 28 players, the BCB is clearly looking to build bench strength and provide financial security to a wider pool of talent. The removal of the A+ category serves as a clear message: the board now prioritizes current fitness and multi-format reliability over historical prestige.
As the "Tigers" look to move past the T20 World Cup controversy and focus on domestic growth through initiatives like the ‘Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup,’ this new contract structure provides the roadmap for the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers.
.jpg)
