The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is all set to bring about a major change in the BCB central contract system for the country’s national team by doing away with the A+ category in the upcoming list. This move has been made keeping in mind the fact that there are no cricketers at present who play international cricket in all three formats. The BCB Central Contract list for 2026 has been finalized with 27 players.
Reason Behind Excluding the A+ Category
In recent years, the A+ category has been reserved for top-class players who have been representing Bangladesh on a regular basis in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. However, BCB officials have revealed that no player currently fits the bill.
“We are not having any A+ category in the central contract this year,” a BCB official confirmed.
“None of our players are playing consistently across all three formats, which is a key requirement for the A+ bracket.”
This is a significant change from what has happened in previous years, and it is a reflection of the changing team combinations and format-wise selections of Bangladesh.
Return to Universal Grading System Continues
In 2025, the BCB had already overhauled its central contract format by going back to a universal grading system, ditching the previous format-based (Test, ODI, T20I) structure.
The new system divides players into five categories:
A+
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A
B
C
D
With the A+ category expected to be empty, the next BCB Central Contract list will function on four categories.
Changes in Personnel: Retirements and New Additions
Veteran cricketer Mahmudullah, who was contracted until February 2025, will not be included in the new list as he has retired from international cricket. Other than Mahmudullah, all 21 players from the previous list have been retained in the new list.
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The BCB has also included six new players in the list:
Shamim Hossain Patwary
Parvez Hossain Emon
Saif Hasan
Nayeem Hasan
Tanvir Islam
Hasan Murad
Probable 27-Member BCB Central Contract List
The players under consideration include:
Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Kumar Das, Taskin Ahmed, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, and Hasan Murad.
BCB Announces ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026
In addition to the update on the BCB Central Contract, the board has announced the launch of the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026, which is set to kick off on February 5.
The three-team tournament is meant to increase competitiveness in light of Bangladesh’s disappointing absence at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Teams, Captains, and Prize Money Details
The tournament will feature:
Dhumketu XI – Captain: Litton Das
Durbar XI – Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Duronto XI – Captain: Akbar Ali
BCB has confirmed that the competition will provide the prize money and player fees of BDT 2.5 crores, along with match fees, to ensure a high-stakes environment and not exhibition-style cricket.
Impact Player Rule and Tournament Schedule
Adding a twist of strategy to the tournament, the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup will feature an Impact Player rule to enhance the level of strategy and engagement.
Group matches: February 5, 6, and 7
Final: February 9
Fitness Camp Ahead of T20 Tournament
BCB is also conducting a fitness camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from February 1.
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