Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler secure two-year deals as ECB expand central contracts

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released its central contract list for the 2024-25 season, awarding contracts to 29 players across various terms under a new multi-year system. This marks a shift in England's approach to securing top talents for longer periods, with seven players receiving two-year contracts, 19 players securing one-year deals, and three players signing development contracts.

Key players awarded two-year contracts include Test captain Ben Stokes and white-ball captain Jos Buttler, along with Joe Root, Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Mark Wood. Stokes, previously on a one-year deal, now joins a select group who have committed to an extended two-year term.

In total, five players received their first central contracts, including emerging talents Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, and Jamie Smith. Among the three awarded development contracts for the first time are Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner, highlighting the ECB’s investment in rising prospects.

Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, expressed optimism about the new structure, saying, “The strength and depth of talent across England Men’s cricket is clear. These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our teams in the coming years.” He added that the two-year deals for Stokes and Buttler reflect the commitment of England’s leaders and players to their international ambitions.