As per a report from Cricbuzz, opener Abhishek Sharma is likely to feature in the upcoming Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contracts list. The contracts for the 2024-25 season are expected to be released shortly. Alongside Sharma, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana are also tipped to earn spots in the central contract roster.
Abhishek, who represents Punjab in domestic cricket and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has enjoyed an impressive run of form over the past year with Team India. He notably struck a century in his debut T20I series against Zimbabwe last year.
Continuing his stellar performances, the SRH batter recently hammered a remarkable century against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2025, steering his team to a memorable win in a tense chase. The left-hander’s innings also earned him the distinction of recording the third-highest individual score in IPL history.
Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Harshit Rana set to receive BCCI central contracts
As per the BCCI’s policy, cricketers who have featured in a minimum of three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is within a specified period are eligible for a Grade C contract, which currently carries a salary of INR 1 crore.
Abhishek Sharma made his T20I debut for India in July 2024 and has since represented the country in 17 T20I matches. With this, he has automatically met the eligibility criteria for a Grade C central contract.
Nitish Reddy, who was part of India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, has played five Tests and four T20Is since making his international debut in October 2024. After an impressive all-round performance in IPL 2024, Reddy earned his India call-up and made the most of his opportunities in the national side.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Harshit Rana has featured in two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I for India. Though he falls short of the individual match requirements in each format, his combined appearances across formats have made him eligible for inclusion in the BCCI central contract list.