Akshar Patel's grade reduced (Photo: PTI)

BCCI has announced the central contract list for the 2025-26 season. The name of star all-rounder Akshar Patel is also included in this. But Akshar Patel has to face demotion this time. Due to which there is a lot of uproar on social media. Actually, Akshar Patel is a player of all three formats and is also the vice-captain of the T20 team. Apart from this, he is also one of the most senior players of the team at present. In such a situation, the fans are not liking this decision of BCCI.

Why did Akshar Patel get a place in the lowest grade?

Akshar Patel's name was in Grade B in the last central contract.

Raised eyebrows on Akshar Patel's demotion

However, the reduction in Akshar Patel's grade has raised eyebrows among his fans and some cricket pundits. Raising questions on this, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has written on his X handle - What else will Akshar Patel have to do, so that he gets all that he deserves.

What else should Axar Patel do to get what he deserves? Three format player. Vice-captain in one format. Grade-C?? Also, if Jadeja and Gill are in Grade-A, why aren't Hardik, Rahul and Kuldeep?? Even Arshdeep shouldnt be in Grade-C.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2026

BCCI putting Axar Patel in Grade C is actually wild. 🤡

The man is literally the T20I Vice Captain, an all-format regular, and match-winner in home Tests. How do you check every single box for “utility player” and still get hit with a demotion?

The disrespect to Bapu is unreal. pic.twitter.com/ckRT4Y0Uwc

— Rishitkkk (@RishitKhanna6) February 9, 2026

Akshar Patel has been part of Team India for 12 years.

It has been 12 years since Akshar Patel made his international debut. During this period he has played 15 Tests, 71 ODIs and 88 T20I matches. Apart from scoring more than 2200 runs in all these formats, he has also taken more than 200 wickets.