BCCI Set to Reward Shreyas Iyer After Champions Trophy 2025, Pant, Rahul, and Axar in Line for Promotions
India has had an exceptional run in the Champions Trophy 2025, winning all their matches to secure a place in the final against New Zealand on March 9 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Stadium. One of the standout performers for India throughout the tournament has been Shreyas Iyer, who has played a crucial role at the number four batting position.
READ ALSO –
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction-ICC Champions Trophy Final
Shreyas Iyer’s Stellar Performance in Champions Trophy 2025
Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of India’s most reliable batsmen in the Champions Trophy, displaying remarkable consistency. Across four matches, he has amassed 195 runs at an average of 48.75. His performances include two half-centuries and four consecutive scores of 40-plus, proving his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
His form has been instrumental in India’s unbeaten run, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Reports suggest that the board is now set to reinstate him into the central contract list, which he was removed from in the previous term due to disciplinary issues.
BCCI to Reinstate Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract
According to a report by The Times of India, the BCCI has decided to reward Iyer by reinstating his central contract after his strong performances in the Champions Trophy. He was left out of the previous contract cycle, reportedly due to disciplinary concerns, but his latest form has convinced the board to reconsider.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan, another player who lost his central contract in the last cycle, has not been able to make a comeback into the Indian team. Unlike Iyer, Kishan has not played any international cricket since losing his contract, making his return to the central contract list uncertain.
BCCI’s Delay in Announcing Central Contracts
Typically, the BCCI releases the central contract list before the Indian Premier League (IPL) season begins. However, the board has chosen to delay this announcement this year, as they wanted to evaluate India’s performance in the Champions Trophy before making any final decisions.
India’s recent underwhelming performance in Test cricket led to increased scrutiny over player contracts. The board was reportedly looking to assess the contributions of key players in the Champions Trophy before finalizing their contract grades for the upcoming cycle.
Current BCCI A+ Central Contract Holders
At present, the BCCI A+ category features only four players:
1. Virat Kohli
2. Rohit Sharma
3. Ravindra Jadeja
4. Jasprit Bumrah
These players receive the highest annual retainers from the BCCI. However, there is now speculation that the board may revise this structure, particularly after Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja retired from T20I cricket. Their recent struggles in Test cricket have also raised discussions about potential contract downgrades.
Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant in Line for Promotions
Apart from Shreyas Iyer’s reinstatement, the BCCI is also considering promotions for three other key players:
• Rishabh Pant
• KL Rahul
• Axar Patel
According to reports, these three cricketers are likely to be promoted to the Grade A category in the new central contract list.
Rishabh Pant’s Strong Comeback
After recovering from a life-threatening car accident, Rishabh Pant has made a remarkable comeback. His performances with the bat and behind the stumps have impressed the selectors, making him a strong candidate for a higher-grade contract.
KL Rahul’s Versatility Across Formats
KL Rahul has been an asset for the Indian team across all formats. His ability to play as a wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs and T20Is, along with his stability in Test cricket, makes him an ideal candidate for a Grade A promotion.
Axar Patel’s Consistency as an All-Rounder
Axar Patel has been an unsung hero for India, delivering consistent performances with both bat and ball.
With his ability to bowl in the powerplay, middle overs, and provide crucial runs down the order, he is expected to move up the contract ladder in the upcoming cycle.
Potential Changes in BCCI’s Central Contract Structure
With multiple senior players retiring from T20Is and the transition phase underway, the BCCI might restructure its contract system. Some of the possible changes include:
• Reducing the number of A+ contract holders
• Introducing new names into Grade A and B contracts
• Revising the payment structure to reward high performers
READ ALSO –
India’s Experience on Dubai Pitch Could Be Game-Changer
Conclusion
The BCCI’s delayed central contract announcement suggests that the board is carefully evaluating player performances before making final decisions. Shreyas Iyer’s return to the contract list is almost certain, while Pant, Rahul, and Axar are set for promotions.
With India on the brink of winning the Champions Trophy 2025, the upcoming central contract list could reflect a new era for Indian cricket, rewarding consistent performers while signaling a transition from the previous generation of stars.
