When and why did BCCI delay player central contracts?

According to reports, the announcement of new central contracts for the men's national team will not take place until October 2025, as planned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future has come under scrutiny as a result. According to BCCI regulations, player contracts are valid from October to September.  

The previous cycle concluded in September 2024, and no formal announcement has been made as of yet, even though it is anticipated that a new list would be revealed in early 2025. According to reports by the Times of India, the delay is due to India’s poor form in Test. In recent times Indian test team hit rock bottom. Leading the side, Rohit Sharma lost 3-0 to New Zealand at home and broke the 11-year record. Later, they failed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were mainly criticized for their form.

Following the current IPL 2025 season, BCCI officials, selectors, and head coach Gautam Gambhir will participate in a thorough analysis. "If one looks at the performances in the year 2023-24, India has won the T20 World Cup besides being consistent in the other formats. In that case, the likes of Rohit, Virat, and Ravindra Jadeja don't deserve to be down (in the gradation system of the contracts)." Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have retired from T20Is; they still have a future left in ODIs and Tests.

Rohit Sharma's future in Test not clear

The report also said that the BCCI is seeking to reduce the number of support staff members, which may also be mentioned at the central contracts discussion.  Following the performance of Indian Premier League 2025, the selection committee will decided the squad will play a Test series in England; however, it is unclear who will captain the team and if regular Rohit will participate.