Although the A+ category had been in place for the past few years, the BCB has decided to remove it as there are currently no players who are regulars across all three formats. As a result, the A+ tier will no longer feature in the central contract structure.
A BCB source told Cricfrenzy that while five players were placed in the A category last year, the number is expected to rise to between seven and eight this time.
The board has already prepared a preliminary list of 27 players, which is now awaiting final approval.
Under the new structure, the three-format captains, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das will be included in the A category. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed and senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim are also set to remain in the same tier.
Additionally, due to consistent performances in the two shorter formats, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzid Hasan Tamim are strong contenders to be promoted to the A category.
While the central contract previously consisted of five categories, the BCB has decided to reduce it to four this year. Last season, the board signed central contracts with 22 players. Veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad, who remained under contract until February 2025, will not be included in the new list.
However, the remaining 21 players are expected to retain their places. Six new players are also set to be brought under central contracts. They are Shamim Hossain Patwari, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam and Hasan Murad. These players are likely to be placed in the C and D categories.
Probable BCB central contract list: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Kumar Das, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Towhid Hridoy, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Shadman Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shoriful Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam and Hasan Murad.
