The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that white-ball captain Jos Buttler has extended his central contract by one year, securing his commitment until autumn 2026.
This extension places him in line with Test captain Ben Stokes, who signed a two-year deal in October, reinforcing England’s leadership stability in both red-ball and white-ball formats.
Buttler, 34, has been sidelined with a calf injury since June, with Liam Livingstone stepping in for England’s current tour of the West Indies.
The contract extension comes as a testament to Buttler’s invaluable role as a veteran presence and dynamic player in England’s white-ball setup.
The ECB’s director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, highlighted the commitment shown by England’s captains and other key players in the ECB’s latest round of central contracts.
“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,” said Key.
“Both our captains have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country.”
The ECB has placed 29 players on central contracts for the 2024-2025 season, ensuring a robust talent pool as they prepare for major international competitions.
Among the two-year contracts are not only established names like Joe Root and Mark Wood but also emerging talents, including fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
Atkinson’s standout performances have secured him a place until 2026, as he aims to become a key figure in England’s pace attack.
In addition to Atkinson, the ECB has awarded first-time central contracts to five players: wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, batter Phil Salt, spinner Shoaib Bashir, all-rounder Will Jacks, and fast bowler Olly Stone.
These one-year deals are designed to nurture England’s promising talent as the squad transitions with several senior players recently retiring or losing contracts.
Notably, veteran pacer James Anderson, all-rounder Moeen Ali, and batter Dawid Malan have retired from international cricket, while wicketkeeper Ben Foakes and seamer Ollie Robinson have been omitted from the central contracts list.
The ECB has also continued its commitment to development, with young prospects Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner receiving development contracts. These contracts aim to foster future talent, ensuring a pipeline for England’s cricketing success.
Buttler’s extension and the recent contract announcements mark a period of transition for English cricket, with the ECB focused on maintaining competitiveness in both formats.
The expanded contract list includes two categories: players on two-year deals, which provide additional security and a clear pathway for integral squad members, and players on one-year deals, which allow the ECB to adapt as new talents emerge and the squad evolves.
Jonny Bairstow, another significant figure in England’s setup, retains his existing central contract signed in 2023, while injuries and the form of younger players have kept some veterans and fringe players from the latest deals.
As the ECB seeks to balance experience with emerging talent, its contracting decisions reflect an adaptive strategy aimed at sustained success across formats.
With an eye on the future, the ECB’s current lineup solidifies England’s ambitions on the global stage, as they bolster their roster for upcoming series, including the 2025 Ashes and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
