In a groundbreaking move, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced multi-year central contracts for its players, reflecting the shifting landscape of professional cricket, which now includes the ever-rising prominence of franchise leagues across the globe. The ECB collaborated closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the Team England Player Partnership to negotiate an agreement that addresses the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, including the players.
A total of 18 players have embraced multi-year central contracts, marking a significant shift in the way players are tied to the board. Simultaneously, eight players have opted for the traditional annual contract, while three others have been designated for England Development contracts, demonstrating the ECB’s focus on nurturing emerging talent.
Rising sensation Harry Brook, former Test captain Joe Root, and pace sensation Mark Wood have taken a bold step by committing to three-year central contracts. This move is especially notable for Harry Brook, as he secures his inaugural ECB central contract, marking a pivotal moment in his young career. Furthermore, a talented group of 15 players, including the likes of Jofra Archer, limited-overs captain Jos Buttler, dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, and emerging pace star Gus Atkinson, have opted for two-year contracts, underscoring their dedication to representing England.
In a surprising turn of events, Test skipper Ben Stokes has chosen a 12-month contract, revealing his unique approach to the central contract structure. Alongside him, veteran James Anderson and versatile all-rounder Moeen Ali are among the eight players opting for the conventional annual contract.
The return of Dawid Malan to the annual contract roster adds to the intrigue, as he seizes the opportunity to re-establish himself on the international stage. Notably, David Willey, despite being a part of the current ODI World Cup squad in India, has been excluded from the central contract list.
Additionally, the ECB has shown its commitment to nurturing emerging talents with the introduction of development contracts. Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, and the uncapped John Turner have been chosen to receive these developmental contracts, emphasizing the board’s dedication to identifying and fostering the next generation of cricketing stars.
| Contract Duration | Players |
|---|---|
| Three-Year Central Contracts | Harry Brook, Joe Root, Mark Wood |
| Two-Year Central Contracts | Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes |
| One-Year Central Contracts | Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley |
| England Development Contracts | Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, John Turner |
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