In a move signaling a major shift in how Indian cricket values its senior players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is poised to overhaul its central contract system. The most dramatic change under consideration is the complete scrapping of the elite Grade A+ category, a decision that would directly impact two of the nation's biggest sporting icons.

Sources indicate that if the proposed new model is approved, veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are expected to be demoted to Grade B. This would result in a staggering pay cut, reducing their annual retainer from ₹7 crore to ₹3 crore—a 57% reduction in their guaranteed BCCI income.

The End of an Era: Scrapping the A+ Category

The proposal, put forward by the national selection committee chaired by Ajit Agarkar, recommends a structural return to a simpler three-tier system of Grades A, B, and C. The A+ bracket, currently the pinnacle of the BCCI's annual retainers, was introduced as a premium reward for players deemed indispensable across all formats.

Its potential removal marks one of the most significant shake-ups in the board's financial strategy in recent years. A final decision is expected from the BCCI's apex council following their upcoming meeting, where the exact financial framework of the revised grades will also be clarified.

Why Kohli and Sharma Are Set for Demotion

The driving logic behind this potential demotion is a fundamental change in criteria. Under the proposed system, contracts will be aligned more closely with current format involvement and workload, rather than past stature or legacy.

Format Specialization: Both Kohli and Sharma have transitioned to being exclusive ODI players, having retired from Test and T20I cricket. The new top grade (Grade A) is expected to be reserved for players active in two or all three formats.

A New Financial Logic: A BCCI official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the intent to "align contracts with workload, formats played and future planning". This suggests a move towards incentivizing multi-format availability, which is increasingly demanding in the modern cricket calendar.

This shift explains why players like Jasprit Bumrah (assuming he remains multi-format) and the new generation's leader, Shubman Gill, are seen as prime candidates to occupy the top tier in the restructured system.

The Financial and Symbolic Impact

The direct financial implication is severe for the two stalwarts. A drop from the ₹7 crore A+ retainer to a ₹3 crore Grade B contract represents a cut of ₹4 crore per year. It is crucial to note that this retainer is separate from match fees and the massive Indian Premier League (IPL) salaries both players command, which will continue unaffected.

Beyond the numbers, the demotion carries heavy symbolic weight. Kohli and Sharma have been the face of Indian cricket for over a decade. Moving them out of the top contractual bracket officially marks the transition of their roles within the team, from all-format cornerstones to specialized veterans guiding the ODI squad.

Winners, Losers, and the Road Ahead

This restructure will create a new hierarchy:

Potential Promotions: Young multi-format stars and current captains like Shubman Gill (ODI & Test) and Suryakumar Yadav (T20I) could see their value and pay grade rise.

Broader Implications: The change could also tighten the criteria for the contracted pool itself. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, sidelined by injury, might be at risk of losing his contract altogether as selectors look to the future.

The BCCI council now faces a critical decision: to endorse a system that rewards current utility and workload management or to balance that modern logic against the unparalleled legacy and brand value of its two greatest modern-era players. Whichever way the board decides, the 2026-27 contract list will reflect a definitive new chapter for Indian cricket.