Shreyas Iyer’s return: A BCCI contract comeback story

Recently, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released its 2024–25 central contracts list, crediting the deserving return of Shreyas Iyer to the Grade B retainer category after a one-year break. The Mumbai-born batting maestro earned his place back in the fold through a standout performance as India’s top run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

Iyer’s absence from last season’s central contract list stemmed from his decision to skip domestic cricket owing to a persistent back injury. Undeterred, he silenced critics by amassing crucial runs across formats, culminating in a Player of the Match–winning display in the Champions Trophy final. His resilience and consistent run-getting affirmed his value to national selectors

Slotting into Grade B alongside dynamic T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and spin all-rounders Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, Iyer is now part of an elite tier that commands an estimated annual retainer of ₹30 million (₹3 crore). Media reports suggest Grade B incumbents receive approximately ₹30 million per season, underscoring the financial and prestige boost of his reinstatement.

Beyond his Champions Trophy heroics, Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign further solidified his comeback narrative. His pivotal innings for the Mumbai franchise and leadership contributions in the dressing room demonstrated the temperament and form selectors look for in a multi-format regular. Senior BCCI officials credit his all-around impact for fast-tracking his contract restoration

Recently, Shreyas was at the center of a viral moment. During the RCB-PBKS match, a video showed Kohli’s animated celebration seemingly aimed at Iyer — sparking debates among fans about on-field sportsmanship.

Pic credit: X (Twitter)