- BCCI releases central contracts to Indian women cricketers every year
- Contracts run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025
- Rewards high performers and brings new names into the team
The Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has released the annual central contracts of the Indian women's cricket team from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The contracts identify best performers and feature new faces.
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have been retained in Grade A, the first class, considering their persistent performance in all formats. These players are critical to India's triumph as they hold leadership capabilities alongside all-rounder potential. Renuka Singh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma have been placed in Grade B. They are the strength behind India's recent success and have been consistent performers for both the batting and bowling units
Grade C comprises Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundathi Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar. This grade comprises a mix of experienced players and young talent. Five players—Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundathi Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, and Uma Chetry—have been added recently to this list. Their impressive performances at domestic and international levels have earned them their place.
Some well-known names were left out of the contracts this time, such as Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Sabbineni Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, and Harleen Deol. Their exclusion reflects a change in preference regarding selection. Rajeshwari’s exclusion is especially significant, considering her experience as a left-arm spinner. Meghna and Devika played important parts in previous series, and their exclusion reflects the selectors' preference for younger players.
In comparison, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced their central contracts for 2024-25, reducing the number of contracted players from 20 to 16. Fatima Sana and Muneeba Ali were promoted to Category A after impressive performances. While Pakistan has pared down its list, India has introduced new faces, reflecting the BCCI’s focus on nurturing young talent alongside experienced players.
This refreshed list of contracts emphasizes the BCCI's determination to strengthen women's cricket by rewarding high performers and including new talent for a balanced team.
