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London, 1 November (Hindustan Reporter). Two English captains Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have signed two-year central contracts with the England Cricket Board (ECB). Test captain Stokes was earlier on a one-year contract while Buttler was on a two-year contract. Of the 29 men's team players with central contracts, seven are on two-year contracts while 19 have annual contracts and three are on England development contracts.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith has also signed a two-year contract. He is one of five players to sign an England central contract for the first time under the multi-year system introduced in 2023. Will Jacques, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt and Olly Stone are the other four – all signed on one-year contracts.
Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull have also joined John Turner on England development contracts. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson has renewed his deal by signing a two-year deal and the duo of Jack Leach and Reece Topley have each signed one-year contracts.
According to the ECB, “This system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players playing in England teams in all formats in the next period while recognizing the performance of the previous year.”
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, said: “The strength and depth of talent across England men's red and white ball cricket is evident in the quality of the centrally contracted players. These contracts reward players who we believe will play a key role for our England Men's teams. “Both of our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts which reflects the commitment of all players to prioritize playing for their country.”