BCCI weighs match availability as new criterion for awarding central contracts

The BCCI is considering making match availability a criterion for central contracts, with players potentially required to meet a minimum threshold. The proposal is still in its early stages, with the board yet to finalise the formula.The BCCI is considering to make match availability as a criteria for giving players a central contract. (Image: Reuters)The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering making match availability a new criterion 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 have to meet a minimum match-availability threshold to remain eligible for a central contract.Under the proposed system, the BCCI could track a player's availability over the course of the season before finalising its annual central contracts. The board is also discussing a formula to determine the number or percentage of matches a player would need to be available to qualify.The proposal comes amid growing concerns over player availability, with several India players missing matches in recent months due to injuries. The BCCI's thinking is that centrally contracted players should be fit and available for as many matches as possible, making availability an additional factor alongside performance when contracts are assessed. However, the proposal is still at a preliminary stage, and no decision has been taken."The discussion is on regarding the idea. For the next central contract, players' availability for the whole season could be monitored. The complete formula will be worked out, including how many matches a player must be available to be offered a central contract," a top BCCI source said. The source stressed that the board has not formalised the proposal and will assess its feasibility before taking a final call."As of now, nothing has been formalised. Going forward, it will be assessed whether this idea is applicable or not," the source added.AVAILABILITY OVER APPEARANCES?If approved, the move could mark a significant change to the BCCI's central-contract system. While performance remains a key consideration, players could also be assessed on how consistently they are available for selection during the season.The proposed criterion could particularly affect players who are regularly sidelined by injuries, although the BCCI is yet to determine how availability would be calculated or whether there would be exemptions for specific circumstances.For now, the board is still working through the details of the proposal, including what would constitute an acceptable availability threshold. A final decision is expected only after the feasibility of the system has been assessed.- EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 17:59 IST