In a significant move for English cricket, both Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, the captains of England's Test and white-ball teams respectively, have signed two-year central contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Stokes, who was previously on a one-year contract, and Buttler, who maintained a two-year duration, underscore their commitment to England's ambitions across formats.
Among the 29 players in the men's squad who hold central contracts, only seven, including Stokes and Buttler, have secured two-year deals. Meanwhile, 19 players are on annual contracts, and three are part of the England Development Program.
Jamie Smith, a wicketkeeper-batter, is another significant addition, having signed a two-year central contract under the new multi-year system, which was launched by the ECB in 2023. Joining him are Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, and Olly Stone, each signing one-year contracts, while John Turner, Jacob Bethell, and Josh Hull take up England Development contracts.
Other noteworthy renewals include Gus Atkinson's two-year contract and one-year contracts for Jack Leach and Reece Topley. According to the ECB, the selection criteria for central contracts consider the likelihood of players representing England across formats and factor in recent performances, demonstrating the ECB’s commitment to maintaining a robust talent pool.
Rob Key, the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, remarked, “These contracts reward players expected to play a key role across formats. The signings of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler on two-year deals reflect their dedication to prioritising international commitments, as they lead England’s drive for consistent performances in both Test and white-ball formats.”
Explore more cricket updates and match predictions on our official website or access sports betting options and contact us for further inquiries. Learn more about us here. credits-https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/132291/stokes-buttler-sign-two-year-central-contracts-with-ecb
Comments