Reports: Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma likely to lose central contracts; Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya set for promotion

As per recent reports, Test specialists Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Wriddhiman Saha are likely to be exempted from BCCI’s central contracts. A decision is set to be taken at the upcoming Apex Council Meeting. On the contrary, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are set for a promotion, courtesy of their significant contributions to the team in the past one year.

Pandya, who, according to experts and pundits, can be India’s next T20I captain, is expected to move from Grade C to B in the central contract. Which means that the all-rounder would earn INR 3 crore per year, and even Shubman Gill would match that. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav’s promotion will be a matter of discussion as there is a possibility that the 32-year-old can jump straight to Grade A from Grade C following his blistering performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2022.

“Surya was in Group C but his performance in the last one year warrants a promotion to Group B at least, if not A. He is currently world No. 1 in T20I ICC rankings and is a serious contender in ODI team also,” a senior official in know of the developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The board sets more agendas in the list

The status and future of India’s two primary sponsors - Byju’s and MPL Sports will be a major point of discussion in the meeting. Reports also claim that an infrastructure sub-committee will be formed and an upgradation of five stadiums will also be discussed. The committee will also consider a one-time payment for V Jaydevan, whose rain-rule formula has been a revelation for India in the domestic circuit.

Overall, there are 12 agendas that need to be discussed at the conference. Even though India’s recent failure against Bangladesh isn’t one of them, it is to be seen if the chairperson considers it to be an important matter. The all-important meeting will be taking place via a video conference on December 21, 2022 - two days prior to the IPL mini-auction.