Stokes and Buttler Sign Two-Year Central Contracts with ECB

England's cricket captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have both inked two-year central contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This agreement marks a change for Stokes, who had been operating under a one-year contract, while Buttler continues under the same two-year duration he previously held.

Of the 29 players in the men's team currently on central contracts, seven are secured with two-year deals. In contrast, 19 players are on annual contracts, and three are engaged under development contracts. Among the new signings, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has also secured a two-year contract, being one of five players to receive England central contracts for the first time since the introduction of the multi-year system in 2023. The others—Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, and Olly Stone—have each signed one-year agreements.

Additionally, Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull join John Turner on the England Development contracts, while Gus Atkinson has renewed his contract with a two-year deal. Jack Leach and Reece Topley have both been given one-year contracts.

The ECB stated that this new system evaluates players' chances of participating in England teams across formats in the upcoming period, taking into account their performances from the previous year. Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, emphasized the considerable talent within English cricket, saying, "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."

He further remarked that these contracts recognize players who are expected to play pivotal roles for the England Men's teams. The signing of both Stokes and Buttler to two-year contracts highlights the players' commitment to prioritize national duty and reflects the ECB's confidence in their leadership moving forward.