Big news is swirling around the Indian cricket world, and it involves two of our biggest superstars. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. You might have seen headlines about them getting a 'demotion' in their BCCI central contracts, which sounds pretty shocking, right?

But hold on! Before we jump to conclusions, let's break down what’s actually happening. Is it a real demotion? Are our legends being sidelined?

The short answer is no. This is more of a reshuffle than a demotion. The BCCI is making some big changes to its contract system to make things simpler, and our top players are just being placed into a new structure. Let's dive in and understand what this is all about.

What’s Changing? Say Goodbye to the A+ Category

For the last few years, the BCCI has had four main contract categories for its players. A+, A, B, and C. The A+ category was the super-elite club, reserved for players who were not only top performers but also played regularly across all three formats of the game Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

This A+ category, which was introduced back in 2018, is now being scrapped.

A BCCI official explained that this is being done to simplify the contract structure. Instead of four tiers, we will likely go back to having just three. A, B, and C. This means Category A will now become the highest-paid and most prestigious group.

Think of it like this. the penthouse floor of a building is being removed, and the floor below it is now the new top floor.

So, Why the 'Demotion' for Virat and Rohit?

This is the main question on everyone's mind. The reason is simple and based purely on the new criteria.

With the A+ category gone, the new top-tier (Category A) will be for players who are active and essential in all three formats.

Let's look at our legends:

• Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Both have been focusing more on ODIs and Test cricket lately. They have taken a step back from the T20I format to manage their workload and focus on the bigger tournaments.
• Ravindra Jadeja: Similarly, Jadeja has also retired from the shortest format and is a crucial part of the Test and ODI squads.

Because they are now primarily two-format players, they no longer fit the bill for the absolute top category, which is now reserved for the all-format superstars.

It’s not a reflection of their skill, importance, or legacy. It’s simply a new filing system, and they are being placed in the correct file according to the new rules.

There’s more to life than simply increasing its speed.

By Udaipur Freelancer

Hold On, Are They Getting a Pay Cut?

This is the most important part! A demotion usually means less money, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

Under the old system:

• A+ players (like Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah) earned ₹7 crore per year.
• A players earned ₹5 crore per year.

According to the BCCI official, the plan is to make the new Category A the top-paying bracket. This means that the players in the new Category A will likely be paid the same ₹7 crore that the A+ players used to get.

So, while the name of their category is changing from A+ to A, their salary is expected to remain the same. It's a demotion in name only, not in their bank accounts!

Who Are the New Top Dogs in the All-Format Club?

With this new structure, the spotlight will be on players who consistently feature for India across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

The prime example is Jasprit Bumrah. Despite missing some games due to injury and workload management, the BCCI still considers him the leader of the pace attack in all formats. He is expected to be a lock in the new top category.

Young guns like Shubman Gill, who is a mainstay in the Test and ODI teams and a key part of the T20 setup, will also be strong contenders for a spot in the top bracket.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. The news about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's 'demotion' is more about a change in BCCI's administrative policy than a comment on the players' stature.

The board is simplifying its contracts to clearly define the roles of its players. The new system rewards the all-format players with the top spot, while legends like Kohli and Rohit, who are now focusing on two formats, will still be in the highest pay grade.

It’s a move towards clarity and structure. Our heroes are still at the top of their game and at the top of the pay scale. The only thing that’s changed is the name of their category.