The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to hold the prestigious Grade A+ central contracts, even after stepping away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the iconic duo remains an integral part of Indian cricket and will continue to receive all benefits associated with the A+ grade, which includes top-tier annual retainers and elite support facilities. “They may have retired from certain formats, but their contributions and presence still hold immense value for Indian cricket,” he said.
Traditionally, the A+ category is reserved for players actively participating in all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, the BCCI has made a rare exception in this case, acknowledging the stature and legacy of Sharma and Kohli. Along with Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, they complete the elite list of A+ contract holders.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had announced their T20I retirements following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. More recently, both legends also stepped down from Test cricket, signaling a new phase in their careers while continuing to contribute in ODIs, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
The decision has been widely praised by fans and analysts, recognizing it as a symbolic gesture of respect toward two of India’s most influential cricketers of the modern era.
