BCCI is considering adequate availability as a new criterion for awarding central contracts

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering making match availability the new criteria for awarding central contracts to Indian cricketers, India Today has learnt.

A top BCCI source familiar with the development said discussions are underway within the board on whether players should meet the minimum match availability threshold to remain eligible for a central contract.

Under the proposed system, the BCCI would be able to monitor a player’s availability throughout the season before its completion annual central contracts. The board is also discussing a formula that would determine the number or percentage of games a player would have to have in order to qualify.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over player availability, with several India players missing matches due to injuries in recent months. The BCCI’s thinking is that centrally contracted players should be fit and available for as many matches as possible, so availability is another factor alongside performance when judging contracts.

However, the proposal is still at a preliminary stage and no decision has been taken.

“The discussion on this idea is going on. For the next central contract, the availability of players for the whole season could be monitored. A complete formula will be worked out, including how many matches a player has to be available to be offered a central contract,” a top BCCI source said.

The source emphasized that the board has not formalized the proposal and will assess its feasibility before accepting the final call.

“Nothing has been formalized yet. Whether this idea is viable or not will be assessed in the future,” the source added.

AVAILABILITY OVER APPEARANCE?

If approved, the move could mean a significant change BCCI Central Contract System. While performance remains a key consideration, players can also be rated on how consistently they are available for selection throughout the season.

The proposed criterion could particularly affect players who are regularly sidelined due to injuries, although the BCCI is yet to determine how availability would be calculated or whether there would be exceptions for specific circumstances.

Currently, the council is still working out the details of the proposal, including what would constitute an acceptable threshold for accessibility. A final decision is expected after assessing the feasibility of the system.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 17:59 IST