As per the current structure the top category Grade A Plus offers an annual salary of 7 crore rupees. While Indian stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been part of this elite group for several years only two other cricketers currently share the same salary bracket.
Sources confirm that Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are the only players alongside Rohit and Kohli included in the Grade A Plus category. This means a total of four Indian cricketers are receiving the highest pay under the central contract system.
The selection for this top tier is based on consistent performance experience leadership value and contribution across formats. Both Bumrah and Jadeja have proved their importance to the national side through match winning performances in Tests One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals over the past few years.
Apart from the top category the board divides players into three other grades.
- Grade A 5 crore rupees per year
- Grade B 3 crore rupees per year
- Grade C 1 crore rupees per year
Senior and emerging players are placed in these categories depending on form fitness and regular selection in the national team. Officials stated that the central contract system is designed not only to provide financial security to players but also to encourage consistency discipline and long term commitment.
Cricket experts believe that being part of the top grade is not just about salary but also reflects a player’s long term value and trust within the team setup. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have long been considered the backbone of Indian cricket Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have firmly established themselves as match winners across all formats.
The board also clarified that central contracts are reviewed every year and changes may be made based on performance workload and availability. With several young players emerging strongly the list may change in the coming season.
For now Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja remain the four highest paid players in Indian cricket under the current salary structure.
