The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the latest central contracts for both men’s and women’s cricket teams. While many player rankings were expected, a few decisions surprised fans and experts.
Some experienced players were moved to lower grades, while a few well known names did not make the contract list at all. Here is a simple look at the biggest exclusions and what may have led to those decisions.
BCCI Contract 2025-26: Why Shami And Ishan Kishan Were Snubbed
Ishan Kishan Misses Out Despite Strong Comeback
Ishan Kishan has recently returned to the Indian setup after a long gap. His domestic cricket form has been impressive, and he also performed strongly in recent T20 matches.
However, the contract evaluation period considered earlier performances, and he did not play international matches during that time. Because of this timing issue, he did not get a central contract this year.
Mohammed Shami Faces Difficult Phase
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Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was once among India’s most trusted bowlers. Injuries and limited appearances over the past year affected his standing.
Although he has shown some good performances in domestic cricket, his absence from regular international matches seems to have influenced the decision. A return to the contract list will depend on consistent performance going forward.
Pooja Vastrakar Left Out After Injury Problems
On the women’s side, Pooja Vastrakar was one of the surprising omissions. She has been an important all rounder for India in the past.
Injuries prevented her from playing many matches recently. Even though she remains a talented player, lack of recent international games likely affected her contract status.
Shreyanka Patil Also Misses the List
Young spinner Shreyanka Patil also did not receive a central contract. Injuries again played a major role in her absence from international cricket last year.
Despite this setback, her recent league performances have been encouraging. If she maintains fitness and form, a contract return is still possible in the future.
Sarfaraz Khan Dropped After Limited Opportunities
Batter Sarfaraz Khan showed promise when he first played for India. However, limited chances and inconsistent performances affected his position.
He continues to perform strongly in domestic cricket, and league opportunities may help him rebuild momentum. A strong season could open doors again.
Other Contract Changes That Drew Attention
Some senior players moved down contract grades due to reduced participation across formats. A few younger players, especially in the women’s team, received promotions after consistent performances.
These changes show how performance, fitness, and match participation all influence contract decisions.
What These Contracts Mean for Players
Central contracts provide financial stability and official recognition from the board. Missing out does not end a player’s career, but it often signals the need for strong performances to return.
Domestic cricket, leagues, and international opportunities still offer chances to regain selection.
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