A viral social media post from Big Bash League’s Sydney Sixers made a shocking claim that Indian cricket star Virat Kohli had signed with the team for the next two seasons. The announcement, which stunned fans, quickly turned out to be an April Fools’ Day prank. This news broke amid updates that Kohli and Rohit Sharma would retain their A+ grade contract, worth Rs 7 crore, in the BCCI’s annual player contracts.
King Kohli 🤩
— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) March 31, 2025
Virat Kohli is officially a Sixer for the next TWO seasons! ✍️ #LIKEASIXER pic.twitter.com/TE89D4Ar6l
April Fools
— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) April 1, 2025
Despite retiring from T20 internationals, both Kohli and Rohit will continue in the prestigious A+ category. Shreyas Iyer, India’s top run-scorer in the recent Champions Trophy, is set to make his return to the central contract list. However, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who was excluded last year alongside Iyer, will have to wait for his turn.
All-rounder Axar Patel, key to India’s successes in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, could also see a promotion, while Varun Chakaravarthy, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma, who have been standout performers for India, might earn their first central contract.
Meanwhile, the BCCI recently announced the retainers for the 2024/25 cycle for the Indian senior women’s team. Last week, reports indicated that a meeting between Ajit Agarkar, Chairman of the senior men’s selection committee, and Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Secretary, was postponed. The meeting was focused on the men’s team annual retainers and the selection for the upcoming tour of England.
Following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League, India will begin a five-match Test series against England at Headingley from June 20. This will be India’s first Test series after their 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. India’s last Test series win in England dates back to 2007.
