Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026: Grade A+, A, B & C Salary

The Indian cricket players salaries 2026 operate under the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s centralized contract system.

BCCI functions as the world’s wealthiest cricket board. Revenue from broadcast rights, sponsorships, and the Indian Premier League creates this financial capacity.

BCCI’s contract system differs from other cricket nations. The board maintains direct financial control over player compensation.

This centralized approach ensures uniform payment structures. Players receive guaranteed annual retainers plus match-based payments.

The contract system serves multiple purposes. It provides financial security to active international cricketers.

The structure incentivizes consistent performance across formats. Annual reviews maintain accountability and performance standards.

Central contracts exist separately from match fees. Players receive base retainers regardless of appearances.

Match fees add to these retainers for each game played. Additional income comes from domestic leagues and endorsements.

Grade placements determine annual retainer amounts. BCCI operates four contract grades from A+ to C.

Each grade reflects player importance and format participation. The selection committee reviews placements annually.

Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026

This article explains BCCI’s complete compensation structure. We cover eligibility criteria, contract grades, match fees, and additional earnings.

The information provides a clear understanding of how Indian cricketers receive payment.

How does the BCCI Salary System Work?

BCCI separates player compensation into two categories. Central contracts provide annual base salaries.

Match fees offer additional payments per appearance. This dual structure ensures stable income plus performance-based earnings.

The central contract system requires minimum participation thresholds. Players must meet specific criteria for eligibility.

These requirements ensure contracts go to active international participants. The BCCI selection committee evaluates eligibility annually.

Contract eligibility requires one of these minimums from the previous year:

• 3 Test matches, or
• 8 ODI matches, or
• 10 T20I matches

Performance and availability determine grade placements. The selection committee assesses contributions across formats.

Consistency, fitness, and selection frequency factor into decisions. Exceptional domestic performances may influence contract consideration.

Grade placements change each season. Strong performances lead to higher grade promotions.

Reduced participation or form issues cause grade demotions. Format retirements affect placements in subsequent seasons.

The annual review process occurs in March or April. Men’s contracts typically receive the announcement first.

Women’s contracts follow shortly after. This timing allows assessment of the completed season.

BCCI Salary Grades and Annual Retainers

BCCI operates four contract grades for Indian cricketers. Each grade provides a fixed annual retainer. These amounts represent base payments before match fees.

• Grade A+ represents the highest contract level. Only elite players performing consistently across formats reach this grade. BCCI introduced Grade A+ in March 2018. Four players currently hold this status.
• Grade A includes established international cricketers. These players appear regularly in playing XIs. They contribute significantly in the formats they compete in. Six players hold Grade A contracts currently.
• Grade B covers emerging stars and format specialists. These cricketers show strong potential or excel in specific formats. Five players currently maintain Grade B status. They receive regular selection opportunities.
• Grade C includes newer international players and occasional selections. Players in this grade build international careers. Nineteen players hold Grade C contracts. They meet minimum participation requirements for eligibility.

Match Fee System Explained

The BCCI player salary per match adds to annual retainers. Players earn separate payments for each international appearance. Match fees vary by format based on time requirements.

Players in the playing XI receive full match fees. Squad members not playing receive half the match fee amount. This structure compensates both playing and backup players fairly.

Per-Match Fee Structure

Test matches offer the highest per-match fees. The format demands extended time commitments. Test cricket requires five days of playing time plus preparation days.

ODI fees fall between Test and T20I rates. The 50-over format demands moderate time investment. Players compete regularly in ODIs throughout seasons. How much do international cricketers earn per match depends on the format and participation patterns.

T20I fees represent the lowest per-match payment. These matches require less time commitment than other formats. However, T20I frequency allows substantial annual match fee accumulation. The cricketer’s salary per month varies based on match schedules.

Indian Cricket Players Salaries 2026: Grade-Wise Breakdown

The BCCI contract list with salary for 2026 includes 34 male cricketers across four grades. The Indian cricket players salary list 2025 formed the basis for 2026 assignments. Grade adjustments occurred based on performance and participation levels.

Grade A+ Players (INR 7 Crores Annually)

• 1. Rohit Sharma (Debut: 2007)

Rohit Sharma retired from Tests and T20Is after captaining India. He led India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025 titles. He currently plays only ODI cricket for India.

• 2. Virat Kohli (Debut: 2008)

Virat Kohli received Grade A+ placement in March 2018. The BCCI introduced the A+ tier that year. Kohli maintains this grade through consistent performances across formats.

• 3. Jasprit Bumrah (Debut: 2016)

Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s pace attack. He received a Grade A+ placement in March 2018. Bumrah maintains an elite status through consistent wicket-taking performances.

• 4. Ravindra Jadeja (Debut: 2009)

Ravindra Jadeja earned Grade A+ promotion in March 2023. His Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance secured this upgrade. Jadeja retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup.

Grade A Players (INR 5 Crores Annually)

• 1. Mohammed Siraj (Debut: 2017)

Mohammed Siraj earned promotion from Grade B in March 2024. His ODI and Test performances drove this upgrade. His Asia Cup 2023 final showing contributed to promotion.

• 2. KL Rahul (Debut: 2014)

KL Rahul first reached Grade A in March 2020. He moved to Grade B in 2022-23. Rahul returned to Grade A after regaining form and fitness.

• 3. Shubman Gill (Debut: 2020)

Shubman Gill moved from Grade B to Grade A after his 2023 season. He captains India’s Test team. Gill recently received ODI captaincy responsibilities.

• 4. Hardik Pandya (Debut: 2016)

Hardik Pandya entered Grade A in February 2023. He maintains this grade as a white-ball specialist. Pandya contributes primarily in ODI and T20I formats.

• 5. Mohammed Shami (Debut: 2013)

Mohammed Shami has remained in Grade A since 2018. He finished as the 2023 ODI World Cup leading wicket-taker. Shami returned during the Champions Trophy 2025 as the joint-highest wicket-taker.

• 6. Rishabh Pant (Debut: 2017)

Rishabh Pant received a Grade A placement in April 2025. He earned a promotion from Grade B after his comeback. Pant replaced Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired in 2024.

Grade B Players (INR 3 Crores Annually)

• 1. Suryakumar Yadav (Debut: 2021)

Suryakumar Yadav captains India’s T20I team. He led India to an Asia Cup victory over Pakistan. Yadav joined Grade B in the 2023-24 contract cycle.

• 2. Kuldeep Yadav (Debut: 2017)

Kuldeep Yadav moved from Grade C to Grade B in 2023-24. His domestic and international performances earned this promotion. He maintains Grade B status in 2024-25.

• 3. Axar Patel (Debut: 2014)

Axar Patel has remained in Grade B since 2023-24. He continues in this grade through 2024-25. Axar contributes regularly across multiple formats.

• 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Debut: 2023)

Yashasvi Jaiswal received his first contract directly in Grade B. This placement came for the 2023-24 season. Jaiswal performs consistently as a Test opener.

• 5. Shreyas Iyer (Debut: 2017)

Shreyas Iyer returned to Grade B in the 2023-24 cycle. He recovered from injury and form issues. Iyer led India’s run-scoring in the Champions Trophy.

Grade C Players (INR 1 Crore Annually)

• 1. Rinku Singh (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C in 2023-24, retained in 2024-25 as a limited-overs specialist.
• 2. Tilak Verma (Debut: 2023) – Received Grade C contract from 2023-24 season, maintains grade through limited-overs performances.
• 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Debut: 2021) – Joined Grade C in 2023-24, retained position in 2024-25.
• 4. Shivam Dube (Debut: 2019) – Earned Grade C from 2023-24, functions as a white-ball all-rounder.
• 5. Ravi Bishnoi (Debut: 2022) – Received first Grade C contract in 2023-24, specializes in T20I spin bowling.
• 6. Washington Sundar (Debut: 2017) – Holds Grade C placement from 2023-24, contributes as a spin-bowling all-rounder.
• 7. Mukesh Kumar (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C from 2023-24, bowls pace across formats.
• 8. Sanju Samson (Debut: 2015) – Maintains Grade C status since 2023-24, serves as wicketkeeper-batter.
• 9. Arshdeep Singh (Debut: 2022) – Joined Grade C in 2023-24 cycle, specializes in T20I pace bowling.
• 10. Prasidh Krishna (Debut: 2021) – Holds Grade C from 2023-24, bowls pace in limited-overs formats.
• 11. Rajat Patidar (Debut: 2023) – Entered Grade C from 2023-24, bats in the middle order.
• 12. Dhruv Jurel (Debut: 2024) – Qualified for Grade C after playing two Test matches, serves as wicketkeeper-batter.
• 13. Sarfaraz Khan (Debut: 2024) – Earned Grade C after playing two Tests, bats in the middle order.
• 14. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Debut: 2024) – Holds Grade C since 2024-25, contributes as an all-rounder.
• 15. Ishan Kishan (Debut: 2021) – Returned to Grade C in 2024-25 after a previous contract gap.
• 16. Abhishek Sharma (Debut: 2024) – Entered Grade C for 2024-25 after playing eight T20I matches.
• 17. Akash Deep (Debut: 2024) – Received Grade C for 2024-25 after qualifying through Test appearances.
• 18. Varun Chakaravarthy (Debut: 2021) – Returned to Grade C in 2024-25, bowls spin in T20Is.
• 19. Harshit Rana (Debut: 2024) – Joined Grade C for 2024-25, bowls pace across formats.

Test Match Incentive Scheme

BCCI introduced the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme. This program encourages consistent Test participation among contracted players. Players earn bonuses based on Test appearances per season.

The incentive applies separately from regular match fees. It rewards players who maintain Test format availability. Both playing XI and non-playing squad members qualify for incentives.

Players appearing in 7+ Tests earn maximum incentive amounts. This structure promotes Test cricket commitment among contracted players. Non-playing squad members receive half the playing XI incentive amount.

The scheme adds substantially to annual earnings. A player completing 10 Tests earns INR 4.5 crores in incentives alone. This amount exceeds Grade B annual retainer values.

Indian Women’s Cricket Team Salary Structure

Indian women cricketers receive equal match fees as men. BCCI maintains parity in per-match payments across all formats. Women earn identical amounts for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Annual retainer contracts for women follow a grading system. The structure mirrors the men’s contract format.

However, annual retainer amounts differ from men’s grades. The Indian cricketers’ salary per month for women includes retainers and match fees.

Grade A (INR 50 Lakhs Annually)

• Harmanpreet Kaur
• Smriti Mandhana
• Deepti Sharma

These three players hold the highest women’s contract grade. They lead India’s women’s team across formats. Their consistent performances justify a Grade A placement.

Grade B (INR 30 Lakhs Annually)

• Renuka Thakur
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Richa Ghosh
• Shafali Verma

Grade B includes established women’s team players. These cricketers appear regularly in playing XIs. They contribute significantly across formats they compete.

Grade C (INR 10 Lakhs Annually)

• Yastika Bhatia
• Radha Yadav
• Shreyanka Patil
• Titas Sadhu
• Arundhati Reddy
• Amanjot Kaur
• Uma Chetry
• Sneh Rana
• Pooja Vastrakar

Grade C covers emerging players and regular squad members. These cricketers receive selection opportunities regularly. They build international careers through consistent performances.

Other Income Sources for Indian Cricketers

The Indian cricket players salaries per year increase substantially through additional earnings. Players receive income beyond BCCI central contracts. These earnings come from domestic leagues and commercial activities.

• Indian Premier League (IPL)

The IPL provides substantial earnings for male cricketers. Player contracts are negotiated independently through auctions. IPL salaries often exceed international contract values for many players.

Top players earn several crores through IPL contracts. Retention players receive maximum amounts from franchises. Auction purchases also command high prices based on player demand.

• Women’s Premier League (WPL)

The WPL launched in 2023 for women cricketers. It provides additional income opportunities beyond BCCI contracts. WPL salaries add to women’s annual earnings significantly.

• Foreign T20 Leagues

Players participate in foreign T20 leagues globally. These leagues offer competitive salaries to Indian players. Popular leagues include the Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League, and ILT20.

• Brand Endorsements

Brand deals provide major income streams for successful players. Players attract multiple sponsorships based on performance and popularity. Endorsement values depend on the player’s public image and market appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are BCCI’s central contract eligibility criteria?

Players must complete at least 3 Tests, 8 ODIs, or 10 T20Is in the previous year. The BCCI selection committee reviews eligibility annually based on these thresholds. Domestic performance and fitness also factor into contract decisions.

• How do grade promotions and demotions work?

Grade placements change annually based on performance and participation. Strong performances across formats lead to higher grade promotions. Reduced participation or form issues may cause grade demotions to lower levels.

• Do women cricketers receive equal pay?

Women receive identical per-match fees as men across all formats. Their annual retainer contracts use similar grading structures. However, annual retainer amounts differ from men’s grade amounts.

• How much do players earn per Test match?

Playing XI members earn INR 15 lakhs per Test match. Non-playing squad members receive INR 7.5 lakhs per match. Test incentives add INR 30-45 lakhs based on appearances.

• What is the highest BCCI contract grade?

Grade A+ is the highest contract level paying INR 7 Crores annually. Currently, four players hold Grade A+ contracts. They are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.

• How are IPL salaries separate from BCCI contracts?

IPL contracts are negotiated independently through franchise auctions. BCCI contracts cover only international cricket participation. IPL income adds to annual earnings as separate compensation.

Conclusion:

The Indian cricket players salaries 2026 demonstrate BCCI’s structured compensation approach.

The grading system provides organized payment across four categories. Players earn annual retainers ranging from INR 1 Crore to INR 7 Crores.

Match fees supplement annual contracts based on appearances. Test matches offer the highest per-match payments at INR 15 lakhs.

The Test incentive scheme provides additional rewards for format commitment. Playing XI members earn double what non-playing squad members receive.

Additional income sources boost total earnings beyond BCCI contracts. IPL and WPL contracts provide substantial additional revenue.

Brand endorsements create further income streams for successful players. These combined earnings generate substantial annual compensation packages.

Women cricketers receive equal match fees as men across formats. Their annual retainers follow similar grading structures with different amounts.

BCCI maintains salary parity in per-match payments between genders.

Grade placements change annually based on performance assessments. Players move between grades each season through committee reviews.

Consistent performances and format availability determine contract levels each year. The system rewards ongoing contributions to Indian cricket through transparent processes.

Central contracts provide financial security to active Indian cricketers. The structure allows players to focus on international performances without financial uncertainty.

BCCI’s payment system reflects India’s dominant position in world cricket economics.

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