The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the latest annual contracts for the Indian women’s cricket team, highlighting a mix of seasoned stalwarts and promising new faces. While the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma remain the backbone of the squad, the entry of young talents such as Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy marks an exciting new chapter for Indian women’s cricket.
With the growing popularity of women’s cricket and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) offering fresh opportunities, BCCI’s contract decisions reflect a vision for long-term success.
BCCI Women’s Central Contract Structure
To maintain a clear hierarchy and financial support system, BCCI classifies its women’s players into three contract grades:
- Grade A: The top-tier contract reserved for key players.
- Grade B: Mid-tier contracts for established international players.
- Grade C: Contracts awarded to rising talents and consistent performers.
Below is a breakdown of the latest contracts for the 2023-24 season.
BCCI Women’s Central Contracts 2023-24
| Contract Grade | Players Included |
|---|---|
| Grade A | Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma |
| Grade B | Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh Thakur |
| Grade C | Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Yastika Bhatia, Anjali Sarvani, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur |
Key Takeaways from the New Contracts
1. Shafali Verma Continues to Grow as a Star
India’s fearless opener Shafali Verma has retained her contract in Grade B, proving her worth in international cricket. With her aggressive batting approach and leadership skills, Shafali remains a crucial asset in India’s T20 and ODI setup.
2. Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy Secure Their First Contracts
Two promising names—Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy—have entered the BCCI contract system for the first time.
- Shreyanka Patil has impressed in domestic cricket and the WPL, making her a future all-round prospect for India.
- Arundhati Reddy, a talented pacer, has been knocking on the doors of international cricket, and her contract reflects BCCI’s trust in her potential.
3. The Trio of Excellence: Harmanpreet, Mandhana, and Deepti
India’s core strength continues to revolve around its Grade A players—Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma.
- Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain, remains India’s biggest match-winner in pressure situations.
- Smriti Mandhana, the stylish left-hander, is a vital cog in India’s batting lineup.
- Deepti Sharma, an all-rounder, has been instrumental in both batting and bowling departments.
Their continued presence in the top bracket ensures that India has a strong leadership group heading into major tournaments.
4. Pooja Vastrakar Drops to Grade C
All-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, who was previously in Grade B, has now been placed in Grade C. This move suggests that she will need to deliver more consistent performances to regain her place among the top-tier players.
How the New Contracts Reflect the Evolution of Indian Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket in India is on a rapid rise, with BCCI making significant investments in player development. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has provided a much-needed platform for young players, helping them gain exposure and experience at the highest level.
Comparison of Women’s Central Contracts (Last Two Years)
| Year | Total Players Contracted | New Entrants | Players Dropped |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 17 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023-24 | 18 | 4 | 1 |
The increase in the number of contracted players suggests that BCCI is committed to expanding its talent pool and ensuring financial security for emerging cricketers.
How These Contracts Will Impact India’s Future Campaigns
With major international tournaments lined up, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, these contracts will provide stability and motivation for the selected players. The Indian team will look to:
- Strengthen its T20 squad ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Continue improving its performance in ODI cricket, aiming for more consistency.
- Utilize the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a breeding ground for new talent.
Final Thoughts on the New Contracts
The latest contract list reflects a strategic blend of experience and youth, ensuring a bright future for Indian women’s cricket. While established names like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana continue to dominate, fresh faces like Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy are set to make their mark on the international stage.
With Indian women’s cricket reaching new heights, these contracts play a crucial role in shaping the team’s journey towards global success.
