Forget Comeback, Mohammed Shami Is Not Even In BCCI Central Contract Now: Here's A List Of Players Snubbed

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its central contract list for the upcoming season, introducing several significant changes that underline a shift in team priorities. The most notable decision is the exclusion of senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been dropped from the contract system altogether.

Alongside Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan and Mukesh Kumar have also been left out of the latest list, despite some of them featuring in national or domestic setups in recent months.

The new contracts reflect a clear restructuring at the top. Shubman Gill has been promoted to the highest grade following his elevation as India's Test and ODI captain. In contrast, senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli no longer occupy the top bracket and have been placed in Grade B, marking a notable change in hierarchy.

While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli move down a tier, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have retained their positions in the top grade, continuing to be seen as core players across formats.

Top Grades Reworked

For the upcoming season, Grade A has been reduced to just three players:

• Shubman Gill
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Ravindra Jadeja

Several experienced names, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, now feature in Grade B, a move that highlights the BCCI's gradual transition toward a new leadership core.

Five Players Snubbed from Central Contracts

The five players excluded from the BCCI central contract list are:

• Mohammed Shami
• Ishan Kishan
• Rajat Patidar
• Sarfaraz Khan
• Mukesh Kumar

Mohammed Shami omission has drawn particular attention given his consistent domestic performances, though his reduced presence in recent national squads appears to have influenced the decision. Ishan Kishan, despite a recent return to the T20 international setup, remains without a central contract for a second consecutive season.