BCCI Announces Annual Retainers for Indian Women's Cricket Team 🏏
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the annual retainers for the Indian women's cricket team, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The list, recommended by the women's senior selection panel chaired by Neetu David and head coach Amol Muzumdar, reflects a mix of established stars and emerging talents, while also raising questions regarding player selection and form.
Contract Structure and Grade Allocations
The BCCI has awarded a total of 16 contracts, a reduction from the 17 announced in April 2023. These contracts are divided into three grades, each with a different annual retainer fee:
- Grade A: INR 50 lakh (Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma)
- Grade B: INR 30 lakh (Including Shafali Verma)
- Grade C: INR 20 lakh
Shafali Verma's Inclusion: A Point of Discussion
Perhaps the most notable aspect of this year's list is the inclusion of Shafali Verma. Verma has not represented the national team since October of last year, leading to speculation regarding the criteria for contract retention. Her placement in Grade B, with a retainer of INR 30 lakh, suggests that past performance and potential are still considered factors in the selection process, even in the absence of recent appearances.
Notable Absences and New Entrants
Several players who were part of the previous list have been omitted, while others have been added. Key absences include:
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad: The left-arm spinner, a consistent performer in the past, has been left out of the list.
- Harleen Deol: Despite a recent international century against West Indies, Deol has not been retained.
- Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, S Meghana, and Anjali Sarvani have also been excluded.
New additions to the list include:
- Shreyanka Patil
- Titas Sadhu
- Arundhati Reddy
- Uma Chetry
- Amanjot Kaur
Players Retained Despite Concerns
Several players have been retained despite facing challenges in recent times. Yastika Bhatia, for example, continues to receive a Grade B contract despite battling form and fitness concerns. All-rounders Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar, who haven't played since the T20 World Cup in October 2023, also retain their Grade C contracts. Vastrakar is currently recovering from a long-standing back injury that has sidelined her, including missing the WPL 2025.
Upcoming Fixtures and Preparations
The Indian women's cricket team has a busy schedule ahead, including an ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka featuring South Africa in April, followed by a tour of England in the summer. These engagements are crucial preparation for the 50-over World Cup, which India is slated to host in September. The team's performance in these upcoming series will be closely scrutinized as they aim to build momentum and solidify their position as a leading cricketing nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What are the criteria for receiving a BCCI contract? A: The criteria are not explicitly defined but are believed to consider past performance, potential, and contribution to the team.
- Q: Why was Shafali Verma included despite not playing recently? A: Her past contributions and potential are likely factors in the decision.
- Q: How are the contract grades determined? A: The grades are based on a combination of factors, including performance, experience, and value to the team.
- Q: When is the next major tournament for the Indian women's cricket team? A: The 50-over World Cup is scheduled to be held in September 2025.