KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development for Bihar cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its Central Contract list for 2025, including three players from the state. Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep have been placed in Grade C of the BCCI’s central contract. This marks a major achievement for Bihar cricket, as it highlights the increasing representation of players from the state in India’s national cricket framework.

The inclusion of these players not only strengthens Bihar’s presence in Indian cricket but also serves as a testament to the growing talent pool in the region. For BCCI, maintaining a diverse and talented pool of cricketers is crucial, and the recognition of these three players demonstrates the Board’s commitment to recognizing merit and performance, irrespective of regional backgrounds.

BCCI Central Contract 2025: Overview and Importance

The BCCI Central Contract is a significant annual recognition granted to Indian cricketers based on their performance in domestic and international cricket. The contract provides financial support, recognition, and an assurance of the player’s place in the Indian national team for various formats of the game. Each year, the BCCI categorizes players into Grade A, B, and C, based on their on-field performances and their role in the national team.

The Financial Aspect of BCCI Central Contracts

• Grade A players receive the highest salary and are considered the backbone of the national team.

• Grade B players are also crucial, though they may not have as high a profile as Grade A players.

• Grade C, where Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep have been placed for 2025, provides players with ₹1 crore annually.

Players from Bihar: A Closer Look at the Achievements

Ishan Kishan’s Comeback

One of the standout inclusions in the BCCI Central Contract 2025 is Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batsman from Bihar. Ishan made a significant mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially with his remarkable performance in his debut match, where he scored an impressive 106 runs. This explosive performance captured the attention of BCCI members, leading to his inclusion in the central contract once again.

However, Ishan’s journey to this point has not been without challenges. In 2023, Ishan was excluded from the central contract due to his decision to opt out of domestic cricket for mental health reasons. After the South Africa tour, Ishan mentioned feeling stressed and chose not to play in the Ranji Trophy that year, thus leading to his exclusion from the national contract. Despite these setbacks, Ishan made a strong comeback with his performance in IPL 2025, showcasing his resilience and talent.

Mukesh Kumar’s Stellar Rise

Another remarkable player from Bihar, Mukesh Kumar of Gopalganj, earned a spot in the national team during the West Indies tour in 2023. This tour marked his debut across all three formats of the game: Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Mukesh’s inclusion in the BCCI Central Contract 2025 is a recognition of his consistent performance and his role as a key bowler for India.

His impressive performances with the ball on international tours and in domestic competitions have positioned him as one of the promising fast bowlers for India. His success in the 2023 West Indies tour and subsequent international appearances have earned him a place in the coveted list of players with central contracts.

Akash Deep’s Debut and Achievements

Another player from Bihar to be included in the BCCI Central Contract 2025 is Akash Deep, hailing from Rohtas. Akash’s breakthrough came during the England series in 2024, where he made his Test debut and impressed everyone with his stellar performance. In his very first match, Akash took 3 wickets against England, showcasing his talent and potential at the international level.

Akash Deep’s inclusion in the national team for Test cricket and his subsequent performances reflect his growing stature as a reliable fast bowler for India. His recognition with the central contract highlights the BCCI’s growing focus on fast bowlers who can perform consistently across formats.

The Significance of Bihar Representation in Indian Cricket

The inclusion of Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep in the BCCI Central Contract 2025 reflects the expanding representation of players from Bihar in the Indian national cricket team. For a state that has long been considered a cricketing underdog, the rise of these players is an inspiring story for aspiring cricketers in Bihar and across the country.

Historically, states like Mumbai, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu have dominated Indian cricket. However, the inclusion of players from smaller cricketing regions like Bihar is a welcome change. The talent coming from these regions is a testament to the expanding grassroots development programs, better domestic cricket facilities, and the increasing importance of performance over location in securing national contracts.

BCCI’s Focus on Regional Talent

The BCCI’s Central Contract system has evolved to encourage and recognize players from all corners of India. In recent years, there has been a greater focus on ensuring that players from non-traditional cricketing states get the opportunity to showcase their talent on the national stage. The inclusion of these players from Bihar in the 2025 central contract signals the Board’s efforts to scout talent from all regions, promoting diversity within the Indian team.

This focus on regional talent also plays a pivotal role in motivating young cricketers from smaller cities and states to pursue the sport seriously. With improved facilities and better financial incentives, players from regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and others now have more opportunities to make it to the national team.

The inclusion of Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep in the BCCI Central Contract 2025 is not just a win for the players but a massive boost for Bihar cricket as a whole. As these players continue to perform at the highest level, they inspire many young cricketers from Bihar to follow in their footsteps.

Bihar’s cricketing future looks promising, and the success of these players will undoubtedly encourage further development of cricket in the state. With more players being given the opportunity to represent India, the prospects for Bihar cricket are brighter than ever. The inclusion of these three players in the BCCI central contract is a testament to the fact that talent can emerge from anywhere, and the BCCI is committed to recognizing and nurturing it.

For aspiring cricketers from Bihar, this achievement sends a clear message: hard work, dedication, and consistent performance can lead to opportunities at the highest level, regardless of where you come from.