Bangladesh Cricket Contracts 2026: A Shift in Priorities?
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced its central contracts for 2026, revealing some significant changes in player grading. Notably, the coveted A+ category has been eliminated, and several prominent players, including Taskin Ahmed and Mushfiqur Rahim, have been demoted. This restructuring signals a potential shift in how the BCB values its cricketers and plans for the future.
The Demotion of Key Players
Taskin Ahmed, the sole occupant of the A+ category in 2025 with a monthly salary of approximately $8,169, now finds himself in Grade A, earning around $6,535 per year. The reason for this demotion remains unclear, despite his consistent performances with the ball. The team management has focused on managing his workload across all three formats to ensure his longevity.
Mushfiqur Rahim, who retired from ODIs in 2025, has also been moved down to Grade B, with a monthly income of approximately $4,901. This follows his previous Grade A status in the prior year. Ten other players join him in Grade B, including Test specialists Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, and Shadman Islam.
Contract Tier Breakdown & Financial Implications
The BCB’s grading system now consists of four tiers:
- Grade A: Approximately $6,535 per year (Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, and Taskin Ahmed)
- Grade B: Approximately $4,901 per month (Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana)
- Grade C: Approximately $3,267 per month (Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Khaled Ahmed)
- Grade D: Approximately $1,633 per month (Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanvir Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Murad, Shamim Hossain and Nurul Hasan)
The expansion of Grade D, now including seven players like Saif Hassan and Nurul Hasan, indicates a broader investment in developing emerging talent.
Broader Context: T20 World Cup Withdrawal & Future Plans
These contract changes reach after Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the ongoing T20 World Cup, citing security concerns. The team is now preparing for a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, starting on March 12th. The BCB has also introduced the ‘Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup’ to bolster domestic cricket enthusiasm.
The elimination of the A+ category suggests the BCB is prioritizing a more balanced approach to player contracts, potentially focusing on consistent performance across all formats rather than rewarding individual brilliance. The increase in the number of contracted players, from 22 to 28, further demonstrates a commitment to widening the pool of national talent.
Did you know?
Mustafizur Rahman retains his Grade B contract despite facing criticism and being snubbed from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the A+ category removed?
A: The BCB stated that no cricketers were consistently playing across all three formats, a prerequisite for the top bracket.
Q: What is the monthly salary for a Grade B player?
A: A Grade B player earns approximately $4,901 per month.
Q: What prompted Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup?
A: The BCB cited security concerns in India as the reason for withdrawing from the tournament.
Q: How many players are now contracted by the BCB?
A: We find currently 28 players under contract with the BCB.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the performances of players in Grade C and D, as they represent the future of Bangladesh cricket and potential candidates for promotion in upcoming contract cycles.
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