The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the men’s central contracts for the 2026 season, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2026. A total of 28 players have been included this year, compared to 22 in 2025, with several structural changes in the grading system.
The biggest update is that the A+ category has been removed, leaving the top grade empty. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who was the only player in A+ last year, has been moved down to Grade A. Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has also been shifted from Grade A to Grade B.
Captains Lead Grade A List
Bangladesh three format captains continue to remain in the top category. Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and T20I captain Litton Das are all placed in Grade A alongside Taskin Ahmed.
The board has focused on a balanced structure, rewarding leadership roles and multi-format availability.
Grade A – Monthly Salary BDT 800,000
| Player |
|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
| Litton Das |
| Taskin Ahmed |
Grade B Dominated by Senior Players
Grade B has the highest number of players this year, including experienced names who remain important to the team’s core. Mushfiqur Rahim’s move to this category has been one of the most discussed changes.
Also see: BCCI Central Contracts 2025-26
Grade B – Monthly Salary BDT 600,000
| Player |
|---|
| Mushfiqur Rahim |
| Mominul Haque |
| Taijul Islam |
| Mustafizur Rahman |
| Towhid Hridoy |
| Shadman Islam |
| Tanzid Hasan Tamim |
| Rishad Hossain |
| Mahedi Hasan |
| Hasan Mahmud |
| Nahid Rana |
Opportunities for Emerging Players
The lower grades reflect BCB’s focus on developing young talent. Several emerging players have been rewarded for their recent performances and potential.
Grade C – Monthly Salary BDT 400,000
| Player |
|---|
| Soumya Sarkar |
| Jaker Ali Anik |
| Shoriful Islam |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
| Nasum Ahmed |
| Syed Khaled Ahmed |
Grade D – Monthly Salary BDT 200,000
| Player |
|---|
| Saif Hassan |
| Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Tanvir Islam |
| Nayeem Hasan |
| Hasan Murad |
| Shamim Hossain |
| Nurul Hasan |
Why the Changes Were Made
BCB has simplified the contract structure by removing the A+ category and expanding the overall player pool. The new list includes seven new players, showing the board’s intention to build depth for the future.
Taskin Ahmed’s downgrade is understood to be linked to workload management and rotation planning. Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim’s shift comes after changes in his international commitments, including stepping away from certain formats.
The 2026 contract list reflects a transition phase for Bangladesh cricket. Senior players remain part of the core group, while younger names are being gradually integrated into the system.
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With leadership stability at the top and a wider talent base under contract, the new structure aims to strengthen the team ahead of a busy international calendar in 2026–27. Fans will now be watching closely to see how this mix of experience and youth performs in upcoming series and global tournaments.
