Kohli and Rohit to Keep Grade A Contracts Despite Test, T20 Retirement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will continue to hold their Grade A central contracts, despite announcing retirement from Test and T20 formats.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating, “Even after announcing their retirement from T20s and Tests, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Grade A contracts will continue. They are still a part of Indian cricket. All the facilities and benefits associated with Grade A will be available to them.”

Traditionally, Grade A contracts are awarded to players who are available across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, an exception has been made for Kohli and Rohit, who recently stepped away from two of those formats. The duo retired from T20 internationals after guiding India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and subsequently retired from Test cricket.

At present, both players are available only for One Day Internationals (ODIs), with their focus now on the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. After coming close to victory in the 2023 edition, Kohli and Rohit are determined to lead India to a World Cup win in 2027.

The BCCI’s move to retain their Grade A status is seen as recognition of their continued value to Indian cricket and their contribution as senior players, especially in the ODI format.

Team Maverick