The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to remove the A+ category from its men’s central contract list for 2026, citing the absence of players who are regular across all three international formats.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to remove the A+ category from its upcoming men’s central contract list, citing the absence of players who feature regularly across all three international formats.
The board’s cricket operations committee has prepared a provisional list of 27 cricketers for the 2026 contracts. While the final approval and revised pay structure are still pending, it has been confirmed that the highest A+ bracket will not be included this year, marking a shift from recent seasons.
In 2025, the BCB had reintroduced a universal grading system, grouping players into five categories — A+, A, B, C and D — after moving away from format-wise contracts for Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The A+ grade was reserved for players who were consistent selections in all formats, a criterion that no longer applies to the current pool.
A senior BCB official explained that the decision was taken purely on performance patterns. With no cricketer maintaining a regular presence across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, the board felt there was no justification for retaining the top tier in the contract structure. The official added that the proposed list of 27 players is now awaiting formal board clearance.
Veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah, who was part of the 2025 central contract until February, has been left out following his retirement from international cricket. All other players from last year’s list have retained their places, while six new names have been added.
The additional inclusions are Shamim Hossain Patwary, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam and Hasan Murad.
The tentative contract list features Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Kumar Das, Taskin Ahmed, Mehedi 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, along with the six newly added players.
BCB to Launch Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026
Alongside the contract update, the BCB announced the launch of the ODOMMO Bangladesh T20 Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 5. The three-team competition is aimed at reviving competitive intensity following Bangladesh’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
The tournament will feature Dhumketu XI, captained by Litton Das; Durbar XI, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto; and Duronto XI, with Akbar Ali as skipper. According to the board, the event will carry total prize money and fees worth Tk 2.5 crore.
BCB officials stressed that match fees and prize incentives have been structured to ensure the competition remains highly competitive rather than exhibition-style. A new Impact Player rule will also be introduced to add a tactical dimension to matches.
The group-stage fixtures are scheduled for February 5, 6 and 7, with the final set to be played on February 9. The board is also planning a fitness camp at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium starting February 1 in preparation for the tournament.
