The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced its 2026 central contracts, expanding the player pool and restructuring salary grades for the upcoming international season. The new contract cycle runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026, and reflects Bangladesh’s long-term strategy to strengthen squad depth across formats.
This year’s announcement has generated major buzz in Bangladesh cricket news, especially due to the decision to leave the prestigious A+ category vacant.
📌 Bangladesh Cricket Board 2026 Central Contracts – Key Highlights
- ✅ Total contracted players: 28 (up from 22 in 2025)
- ✅ Contract period: January–December 2026
- ✅ Four active salary grades: A, B, C, D
- ❌ No player in A+ category
- 📈 Increased focus on youth and multi-format stability
The move signals a strategic rebuild phase as Bangladesh prepares for major ICC tournaments and bilateral series in 2026.
💰 BCB 2026 Salary Structure (Monthly Retainers)
🏏 Grade A – BDT 800,000/month
Top-tier centrally contracted players:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Test captain)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz (ODI captain)
- Litton Das (T20I captain)
- Taskin Ahmed
These players form the leadership core across formats for Bangladesh cricket in 2026.
🏏 Grade B – BDT 600,000/month
Includes senior and consistent performers such as:
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Mominul Haque
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Taijul Islam
- Towhid Hridoy
- Hasan Mahmud
- Nahid Rana
(And other regular contributors)
🏏 Grade C – BDT 400,000/month
Key squad and rotation players including:
- Soumya Sarkar
- Shoriful Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Nasum Ahmed
- Jaker Ali
🏏 Grade D – BDT 200,000/month
Emerging and developmental players:
- Saif Hassan
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Nayeem Hasan
- Shamim Hossain
- Quazi Nurul Hasan
🚨 Why No A+ Category in 2026?
One of the biggest headlines in Bangladesh cricket news 2026 is the absence of an A+ contract. Previously, this elite tier recognized exceptional multi-format consistency.
The BCB’s decision suggests:
- Performance-based restructuring
- Emphasis on current form over reputation
- A competitive pathway to earn top-tier status
This could motivate players to elevate performances ahead of ICC events.
📊 What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket in 2026
The expanded central contract list highlights:
- 🔹 Greater financial security for emerging players
- 🔹 Strengthened bench depth
- 🔹 Stability across Test, ODI, and T20 formats
- 🔹 Leadership clarity under format-specific captains
With 28 players contracted, Bangladesh appears to be building a sustainable structure for long-term international competitiveness.
