The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to release its annual central contract list soon, but this time around, the announcement has been delayed due to the Champions Trophy. Last year, the list was released in February, but the BCCI has taken a bit more time to assess the players’ performances in the Champions Trophy before making the big reveal. It’s worth noting that several players who were part of the contract list last year might not make the cut this time around, primarily due to their lack of participation in international matches.
Among the players who could potentially be left out of the BCCI’s central contract list are Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, and KS Bharat. All three were graded ‘C’ last year, but their recent performances have raised questions about their spots in the list. Patidar, for instance, hasn’t played international cricket in the past calendar year, despite putting up impressive numbers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the second-highest run-scorer. Although he’s set to lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2025, his chances of retaining a spot in the central contract list seem slim.
Avesh Khan, the Indian pacer, is another player who might find himself out of the contract list. He last played a T20 match in 2024, picking up six wickets in six games, and his last ODI appearance was in 2023. Given his limited international exposure, it’s likely that the BCCI will leave him out of the list this time. KS Bharat, who last played an international match in February 2024, is also at risk of being dropped.
Additionally, Shardul Thakur’s spot in the central contract list is uncertain, despite his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy. He might still find himself in the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against England in June, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to retain his spot in the contract list. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, will no longer be part of the list.
Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the central contract list last year due to his perceived lack of seriousness towards domestic cricket, might make a comeback this time around. Following a series of impressive performances, the BCCI is likely to reconsider his position and include him in the contract list. As the BCCI gears up to announce the central contract list, fans and pundits alike are eagerly waiting to see which players will make the cut and who will be left out. The Indian cricket board’s decision will not only have a significant impact on the players’ careers but also shape the future of Indian cricket.
Key Players to Watch
- Avesh Khan: The Indian pacer’s limited international exposure might lead to his exclusion from the central contract list.
- Rajat Patidar: Despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket, Patidar’s lack of international experience might cost him a spot in the list.
- KS Bharat: The wicketkeeper-batsman’s last international appearance was in February 2024, making his place in the contract list uncertain.
- Shardul Thakur: Thakur’s impressive Ranji Trophy performances might not be enough to save him from being dropped from the central contract list.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: The veteran spinner’s retirement from international cricket means he will no longer be part of the contract list.
- Shreyas Iyer: Iyer’s recent performances might lead to his reinstatement in the central contract list after being dropped last year.
The BCCI’s central contract list is expected to be released soon, and the cricketing world is eagerly waiting to see which players will be included and which ones will be left out. One thing is certain, though – the Indian cricket board’s decision will have far-reaching consequences for the players and the sport as a whole.