BCCI retains Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma in top central contract category
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India’s women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma have been retained in the Grade A category of the BCCI’s central contracts, the highest bracket for women cricketers.
The contracts, announced on Monday, ensure top players receive financial support and recognition for their contributions to the national team.
Pacer Renuka Thakur, all-rounder Jemimah Rodrigues, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, and explosive opener Shafali Verma have maintained their positions in Grade B.
Meanwhile, several emerging talents have earned their first central contracts.
Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, pacers Titas Sadhu and Arundhati Reddy, all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, and wicketkeeper Uma Chetry have been placed in Grade C, joining players like Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar.
However, left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gaikwad, who was part of Grade B last year, has not been included this season. Other players who have missed out include Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Sabbineni Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, and Harleen Deol.
According to the BCCI's central contract structure:
- Grade A players receive ₹50 lakh per year, in addition to match fees.
- Grade B players are entitled to ₹30 lakh annually.
- Grade C players earn ₹10 lakh annually.
The announcement comes at a crucial time as the Indian women’s team prepares for the ODI World Cup later this year on home soil. Despite their growing presence on the global stage, India’s women’s team is yet to secure a major ICC trophy. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team will look to make an impact on the international stage.
Complete List of BCCI Women's Central Contracts (2024-25)
Grade A: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma.
Grade B: Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma.
Grade C: Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar.