ECB announce central contracts: Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes sign two-year deal

England cricket bolsters its future with multi-year central contracts for key players, including captains Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. The ECB's latest contracts reinforce commitment and depth, recognising current talent and preparing emerging stars to shape England's next generation.

In Short

• Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler sign two-year deal with ECB
• ECB awarded central contracts to 29 players within the men's team
• Many young stars received their very first central contract

England’s cricket captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts with the ECB, securing their commitment to the national team for the upcoming seasons. Previously on a one-year deal, Test captain Stokes joined his limited-overs counterpart Buttler, who already had a two-year contract in place. Their retention on multi-year contracts reflected the ECB's confidence in their leadership and contribution across formats. This year, the ECB awarded central contracts to 29 players within the men's team, with seven players on two-year deals, 19 on annual contracts, and three on development contracts aimed at fostering emerging talent.

Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith is among the select group of players who, under the multi-year contract system introduced in 2023, have signed a central contract with England for the first time. Smith secured a two-year deal, while players like Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, and Olly Stone were offered one-year contracts, marking their inclusion in England’s long-term plans across formats.

ECB contract 29 players

Joining the development contract category alongside John Turner are young talents Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull, adding depth to the ECB’s investment in players with the potential to transition into the senior team. Furthermore, fast bowler Gus Atkinson has solidified his future with a renewed two-year contract, while spinner Jack Leach and seamer Reece Topley have been signed on for a year each.

The ECB’s contract system is designed to support both red-ball and white-ball cricketers by assessing players' likelihood of featuring across formats, while also recognising past performances. Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, highlighted the importance of this model in retaining and encouraging high-level talent. He commented, “The strength and depth of talent across England Men’s red and white-ball cricket is clear in the quality of players who are centrally contracted.”

Key further emphasised that the contracts reflect a commitment from England’s top players to prioritise national duties. “These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men’s teams. Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country,” he added.

This contract strategy signals England’s focused approach to maintaining continuity and building a balanced team across formats.