The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled its Central Contracts list for the 2025-26 season, and the women’s game stands firmly in the spotlight. Following a landmark year that culminated in India lifting the Women’s ODI World Cup, the latest contracts reflect continuity, performance, and the growing depth of talent in Indian women’s cricket.
A total of 21 women cricketers have been awarded central contracts across three grades, underlining the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening the women’s national setup through financial security and long-term planning.
Grade A: The Core of Indian Women’s Cricket
At the top tier, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma have been placed in Grade A, recognising their consistent performances and leadership roles over the past season. The quartet has formed the backbone of India’s success across formats, with their experience and impact proving decisive in high-pressure moments, particularly during the World Cup-winning campaign.
Grade B: Match-Winners and Game-Changers
Renuka Thakur, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana feature in Grade B, a group that blends pace, power and all-round value. Renuka’s new-ball spells, Shafali’s explosive batting, Richa’s finishing abilities and Sneh’s all-round contributions have made them indispensable options across formats, earning them a place just below the top bracket.
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Grade C: Building the Future
The Grade C list highlights India’s growing talent pool and investment in the next generation. Players such as Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia, Harleen Deol, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, Kashvee Gautam, Pratika Rawal, Vaishnavi Sharma and G Kamalini, among others, have been rewarded for their performances, potential and progression within the national system.
This category reflects the BCCI’s intent to widen the base of Indian women’s cricket, offering stability to emerging players as they transition into regular international roles.
Central contracts serve as annual retainership agreements, offering players financial assurance while reinforcing standards related to performance, fitness and availability. The grading system allows the BCCI, selectors and team management to align player remuneration with their role in the team’s plans, ensuring both accountability and encouragement.
With the 2025-26 contracts now in place, Indian women’s cricket enters the new cycle with a clear structure, a rewarded core, and a promising group of emerging players.
