The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is ready to release the central contract list for the 2025-26 season, and the announcement will be made in the next one or two days. Sources say that the final list has been decided, and the BCCI will release it soon in public. The attention will mainly be on the A+ category, in which the best players of Indian cricket fall. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to remain in this category. Even though Rohit and Virat have retired from T20Is following the T20 World Cup 2024, their remarkable performances in Tests and ODIs keep them well within the A+ category. Bumrah, India's finest fast bowler, is also set to retain his place due to his impact in all three varieties of the game.

The final contracts list will depend on how well Indian cricketers perform in their upcoming international assignments, including the five-Test series against England, starting on June 20. Player performances in these key matches will have a big say in determining the final list. Additionally, selectors and coaches will be expected to review recent domestic performances, which may result in changes to the categories, depending on the form of players in the build-up to the announcement.

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A+ Category: Top Stars to Make No Major Changes

The A+ category, which is known to accommodate the best-performing players in the nation, is also expected not to change much, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah holding their positions at the top level. Rohit and Kohli, even after relinquishing the T20I captaincy, are crucial in Tests and ODIs and thus are expected to remain at the A+ level. Bumrah, with his excellent bowling displays, will also hold on to being one of India's most important players in all formats. Though the A+ list will not undergo significant alterations, the likelihood of including some new names later is there.

Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the central contract list earlier because of his non-participation in domestic cricket, appears to be coming back. Iyer's excellent show in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he finished as the tournament's highest scorer, has favored his chances. His performances domestically have again been in contention for a contract. Ishan Kishan's future remains uncertain as he is a wicketkeeper-batter. Kishan, who was also left out earlier for failing to meet the domestic cricket standards, is not likely to be included this time because of his fluctuating form and failure to play regularly in domestic cricket.