Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, the two captains of England, have agreed to two-year central contracts with the ECB. Buttler was previously under a two-year contract, while the Test captain was under a one-year term.
Three are on England development contracts, 19 have annual contracts, while seven of the 29 men’s squad players with central contracts have two-year agreements.
A batsman and wicketkeeper, Jamie Smith, has also agreed to a two-year deal. Under the multi-year system implemented in 2023, he is one of five players who have signed England central contracts for the first time.
The other four, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, and Shoaib Bashir, have all agreed to one-year contracts. Josh Hull and Jacob Bethell are joining John Turner for the England Development contract.
Meanwhile, Jack Leach and Reece Topley each have one-year contracts, and Gus Atkinson has signed a two-year extension. “The calibre of players who are centrally contracted demonstrates the strength and depth of talent across England Men’s red and white-ball cricket,” stated Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket.
“The players who will be crucial to our England Men’s teams are rewarded with these contracts. The two-year central contracts that our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed demonstrate the players’ dedication to putting their country’s needs first.
