The BCCI is likely to make some notable amendments in their annual contract based on player’ performances at the highest level. Test specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma are likely to be excluded from the annual central contract, while Shubman Gill and Suyakumar Yadav might get a promotion when the list for the 2022-23 season is finalised during the Board’s Apex Council meeting on December 21.
Prolific allrounder Hardik Pandya is in the fray to get a promotion to Group B from Group C. According to reports, the meeting will revolve around 12 topics, but a shocking exit from the T20 World Cup and defeat in ODI series against Bangladesh are not listed among the priorities. However, non-listed items can be considered for discussion if the board’s chairman agrees.
Agreement on a one-time payment to V Jaydevan, whose rain-rule formula has been used in the domestic white-ball games for more than a decade now, will also be a key topic on which members will aim to reach to a conclusion. Notably, BCCI uses the VJD method in Mushtaq Ali T20, Vijay Hazare Trophy and erstwhile Deodhar Trophy and Challenger Trophy for results in case of rain interruption.
Speaking of central contracts, fresh reports are hinting that former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and speedster Ishant Sharma, who are out of India contention, are likely to be axed from the fresh list. Wicket-keeper batter Widdhiman Saha is also expected to be axed from the list as he has earlier been informed at the start of the year that he won’t be considered for the selection in future.
A PTI report quoting a senior BCCI official close to the development claimed that Suryakumar Yadav is expected to be promoted to Group B, at least, if not A. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who is now regularly playing in two formats (Tests and ODIs), can expect a promotion from Group C to B.
