The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the annual central contracts for the Indian women’s cricket team, featuring key players who have retained their places and several exciting new entrants. Among the biggest highlights, young batting sensation Shafali Verma continues to hold her contract, while rising talents like Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy have secured their first-ever central contracts.
With women’s cricket in India gaining momentum, the latest contract list reflects the team’s evolving structure and future aspirations.
BCCI’s Central Contract Categories for Women’s Cricket
BCCI follows a structured grading system for its contracted women cricketers. The contracts are divided into three categories:
- Grade A: Elite players with the highest retainership.
- Grade B: Established international cricketers with consistent performances.
- Grade C: Emerging players and those making a mark in international cricket.
Below is the breakdown of the latest contracts:
BCCI Women’s Annual Contracts 2023-24
| Category | Players Included |
|---|---|
| Grade A | Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma |
| Grade B | Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh Thakur |
| Grade C | Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Yastika Bhatia, Anjali Sarvani, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur |
Key Highlights from the New Contracts
1. Shafali Verma Retains Her Spot in Grade B
Shafali Verma, India’s young and explosive opener, continues to hold her contract in Grade B. Known for her fearless batting style, she has been a key performer across all formats. Her retention indicates that the selectors see her as a crucial part of India’s future plans.
2. Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy Earn Maiden Contracts
Two of the most exciting names on the list are Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy, who have received their first-ever central contracts.
- Shreyanka Patil, an emerging all-rounder, impressed in domestic cricket and T20 leagues, earning her place among the contracted players.
- Arundhati Reddy, a promising pace bowler, has been in and out of the national squad but her recent performances have ensured she gets rewarded with a contract.
3. The Power Trio in Grade A: Harmanpreet, Mandhana, and Deepti
The backbone of Indian women’s cricket—Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma—continue to lead the way, retaining their Grade A contracts. These three players have been consistent match-winners for India, and their top-tier contracts reflect their importance to the team.
4. Pooja Vastrakar Drops to Grade C
One of the surprising decisions in the contract list was Pooja Vastrakar’s demotion to Grade C. The all-rounder, who has been a valuable asset to the Indian team, will now have to work harder to regain her place in the upper grades.
Women’s Cricket Growth Reflected in Contract Decisions
The inclusion of several young players signals BCCI’s vision for the future. Women’s cricket in India has seen rapid growth, and the introduction of leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has provided more opportunities for domestic players to showcase their talent.
Comparison of Contracts Over the Years
Below is a comparison of contract changes in the last two years:
| Year | Total Players Contracted | New Entrants | Not Retained |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 17 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023-24 | 18 | 4 | 1 |
The increased number of contracted players in 2023-24 suggests that BCCI is focusing on expanding the talent pool and providing financial security to emerging cricketers.
Impact of Contracts on Indian Women’s Cricket
The revised contracts will play a significant role in shaping India’s performance in upcoming international tournaments, including:
- The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where India will look to challenge top teams.
- The Women’s One Day International (ODI) Championship, where consistency will be key.
- The expansion of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which will further develop India’s cricketing talent.
Final Thoughts on the New Contracts
The BCCI’s latest contract list showcases a well-balanced approach, rewarding senior players while also nurturing emerging talent. With a strong mix of experience and youth, Indian women’s cricket is set for an exciting phase. The likes of Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh will look to step up, while new entrants like Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy will aim to make their mark on the international stage.
The upcoming months will be crucial as these players look to justify their contracts and take Indian women’s cricket to new heights.
