The BCCI 2025-26 The central contracts announcement on 9 February 2026 set a new benchmark for award performance, Rodrogue Claims its rightful place among the elite of India. While the list celebrates the heroes of India’s maiden World Cup title, it also sends a strong message about fitness and availability, as seen in the high-profile releases of several established stars.
Jemimah Rodrigues is at the elite A grade level along with Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana.
Rodrigues has officially been promoted to A grade, joining the upper echelon of Indian cricket with the captaincy. Harmanpreet Kaurvice-captain Smriti Mandhana and an all-around star Deepti Sharma. The promotion is a direct reward for his stunning return to form that cemented India’s success ODI World Cup 2025 run away
Rodrigues was the tactical heartbeat of the tournament, most notably smashing a semi-final century that knocked out the perennial favourites. Australia. By promoting him to the INR 50 lakh bracket, the BCCI recognized his transition into a great leader and big match player along with Harmanpreet and Smriti. His rise headlines a wider shake-up in the squad hierarchy, where consistent impact on the world stage, particularly his 300-plus tournament history, is more important than seniority.
Shreyanka Patil and Pooja Vastrakar remain out of 2025-26 BCCI central contracts
In perhaps the most talked about move of the era, the star off-spinner Shreyanka Patil and a pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been completely removed from the central contract list. Both had Class C protectors last year but spent about 14 months rehabbing after multiple injuries.
Despite Patil’s recent heroics WPLThe BCCI has opted for a cautious ‘fitness-first’ approach. This policy ushered in a new era of accountability where players are expected to meet minimum match count criteria, specifically 10 T20Is or 8 ODIs. Although Patil has already been recalled for the upcoming Australia series, his release is a reminder of the Board’s preference for continued presence.
7 new entrants win first BCCI contracts including Pratika Rawal
The 2025-26 cycle marks a generational transition, with seven players earning their first central contracts since India’s global success. The roster is dominated by World Cup stars and U19 graduates who have quickly broken into the senior set-up.
- Pratika Rawal and Kranti Goud: After Rawal’s 300-run World Cup and Gaud’s Bowling match, secure B and C ranks respectively. England.
- Sree Charani: The ‘secret spinner’ enters the C grade after finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker during the World Cup.
- G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma: The U19 T20 World Cup-the winning duo was awarded for their successful international debut at the end of 2025.
- Kashvee Gautam and Tejal Hasabnis: Both have been merged into the C grade as the BCCI seeks to build a wider development pool.
The main catchers hold their places in the B and C grades
Apart from new promotions and releases, the BCCI has retained a core group of ‘strategic regulars’ who provide the backbone of the team. Renuka Singh Thakur, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh All retain their B-grade status, serving as the main power hitters and speed spears for the side. Likes a few consistent performers in C grade Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Amanjot Kaur continue to stay, providing depth in all formats.
Note that Yastika Bhatia despite his ongoing rehabilitation from knee surgery, he has been retained at grade C, indicating the board’s long-term confidence in his indoor fighting ability. This group represents the bridge between the veteran A-grade stars and the new U19 graduates and forms the 21-man pool to lead. IndiaHe will defend his titles in 2026.
Complete BCCI women’s center contracts 2025–26
| Degree | Annual Holder (INR) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 50 Lakhs | Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma |
| B grade | 30 thousand | Renuka Thakur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud, Uma Chetry, Arundhati Reddy |
| Grade C | 10 Lakhs | Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, G Kamalini, Vaishnavi Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis |
Also READ: MVP to Purple Cap: Complete List of WPL 2026 Prize Winners and Prize Money
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
