The BCB central contracts for 2026 have introduced a lot of changes in the payment structure of Bangladesh cricket, with some major demotions for the senior players and the abolition of the A+ category altogether. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revised its grading structure.
No A+ Category in 2026 BCB Central Contracts
In a significant changeover from 2025, the BCB has removed the A+ category from the list of central contracts in 2026.
In the previous year, Taskin Ahmed was the lone cricketer in the A+ category, taking home BDT 1 million every month (approximately US $8,169). However, with the new grading system, no player has been assigned to the highest category this year.
This is a significant shift in the grading policy of the board, which may be a result of maintaining a balance in terms of financial and performance-related aspects.
Grade A: Captains and Taskin Ahmed
According to the revised central contracts offered by the BCB, Grade A has become the highest grading. Players in Grade A receive BDT 800,000 per month (US $6,535).
The players in Grade A for 2026 are:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Test captain)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (ODI captain)
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Litton Das (T20I captain)
Taskin Ahmed
Taskin, despite his impressive performances in all formats, has been reduced from A+ to A. The reason for this reduction is not known, especially considering his performance with the ball. His team management has always taken care to handle him carefully to maintain his fitness in all three formats.
Mushfiqur Rahim Drops to Grade B
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been demoted from Grade A to Grade B in the 2026 central contracts list of the BCB.
Mushfiqur, who retired from ODIs in 2025, will receive BDT 600,000 (approximately US $4,901) per month.
Grade B consists of 11 players:
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mominul Haque
Taijul Islam
Mustafizur Rahman
Towhid Hridoy
Shadman Islam
Tanzid Hasan
Rishad Hossain
Mahedi Hasan
Hasan Mahmud
Nahid Rana
Shadman Islam is among four players promoted from Grade C to B, alongside Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan.
Grade C and Grade D: Expanded Lists in 2026
The BCB central contracts 2026 also reflect changes in the lower divisions.
Grade C (BDT 400,000 per month, approx. US $3,267)
Soumya Sarkar
Jaker Ali
Shoriful Islam
Tanzim Hasan
Nasum Ahmed
Khaled Ahmed
Grade D (BDT 200,000 per month, approx US $1,633)
This list has been expanded greatly from two players last year to seven in 2026:
Saif Hassan
Parvez Hossain Emon
Tanvir Islam
Nayeem Hasan
Hasan Murad
Shamim Hossain
Nurul Hasan
The increase in the number of players indicates that the inclusion policy is also aimed at developing new talents.
Bangladesh’s 2026 Cricket Outlook
Bangladesh have had a slow start to the year due to the government’s decision not to send the team to the current T20 World Cup. However, international cricket will resume with a three-match ODI series against Pakistan at home on March 12, 14, and 16.
The new BCB central contracts will play an important role in determining the motivation and financial structure of the national team.
Full List: BCB Central Contracts 2026
Grade A
Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed
Grade B
Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
Grade C
Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed
Grade D
Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan
Key Takeaways
- No player allocated to A+ category in 2026
- Taskin Ahmed’s category reduced from A+ to A category
- Mushfiqur Rahim’s category changed to Grade B
- The list of Grade D players has been expanded to include seven players
- The salary structure will remain performance-grade based
The 2026 BCB central contracts signal a balance in the reward system for Bangladesh cricket.
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