Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to BCCI Contracts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) just made a big announcement — Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the list of centrally contracted players. If you’re a fan of Indian cricket, you’ve probably been wondering what their future looked like after a few bumpy months.

Well, wonder no more! BCCI has spoken — and both players have not only made a return but have shown what it takes to earn their spot again.

Curious about who else made the cut? Or what this contract even means? Let’s break everything down.

What Are BCCI Central Contracts, Anyway?

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a second to explain what a “central contract” really is.

Think of it this way: it’s like a player signing a full-time job offer from the BCCI. These contracts come with regular salaries, graded perks, performance bonuses, and job security for a specific period.

The contracts are divided into four grades:

Grade A+ – ₹7 crore per year
Grade A – ₹5 crore per year
Grade B – ₹3 crore per year
Grade C – ₹1 crore per year

The players are picked based on form, fitness, and future potential. So, when someone is left off — or added back in — it’s a big deal.

Iyer and Kishan: The Return Story

Both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan had been missing from BCCI’s list of contracted players just a few months ago for a controversial reason — not meeting fitness and domestic cricket mandates set by the board.

The BCCI had emphasized that players needed to consistently play domestic cricket when not picked for national duty — and failure to do so cost Iyer and Kishan their contracts in March 2024.

But fast forward to June, and both players are back in action — not just on the field, but also in the BCCI’s good books.

So, what changed?

Both players returned to domestic cricket and proved themselves. Ishan returned to the Indian team set-up during the T20I series, while Iyer put up impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy. Their consistent efforts helped earn them Grade C contracts.

Why Their Return Matters for Indian Cricket

Indian cricket is in a phase of transition — while legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still lead the pack, fresh energy is essential for maintaining India’s dominance on the world stage.

By bringing back players like Iyer and Kishan:

Team depth increases: With competition heating up, it ensures Indian cricket always has reliable bench strength.
Team balance improves: Both players offer much-needed versatility — Iyer in the middle order and Kishan as a wicketkeeper-batsman who can open as well.
Younger talent is encouraged: When the board rewards players who work hard and play domestic cricket seriously, it sets the right example.

Who Else Is on the BCCI’s Contract List?

While Iyer and Kishan’s return grabbed headlines, let’s not ignore other major announcements from the 2023–24 BCCI contract list.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah have all retained their Grade A+ spots. That means they’re still considered the top-tier players in the Indian setup — dependable, in form, and vital to the team’s success.

Other takeaways?

KL Rahul, Md Siraj, and Mohammed Shami hold Grade A status, showing they’re still key players in various formats.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, have also been rewarded with contracts, reflecting BCCI’s focus on youth and current performances.
Hardik Pandya retains his Grade A spot despite fitness concerns. Shows the faith selectors continue to have in his all-round abilities.

Consistency: The Message from BCCI

One thing is clear: BCCI is laying down the law when it comes to fitness, form, and commitment to Indian cricket — not just during international matches, but at the domestic level too.

No matter how talented you are, if you’re not available or don’t show up for domestic games, you risk being left out. This move encourages players to stay connected with India’s rich domestic cricket scene.

In many ways, this is similar to an employee being expected to show up and put in the work — not just during important projects, but on regular days as well. You can’t just pick the glamorous parts of the job!

Looking Ahead: What Can Fans Expect?

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon and the next season of international cricket packed with tours and tournaments, expect a busy cricket calendar. Players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have a golden opportunity to cement their spots ahead of the upcoming Test series.

Also, don’t be surprised if we see more players being rotated in and out — the BCCI contracts are reviewed regularly, and with Indian cricket’s competitive depth, no one’s place is guaranteed forever.