The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has introduced multi-year central contracts for its cricketers for the first time, reflecting the growing popularity of franchise cricket worldwide. In a statement, the board announced that it collaborated closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership to reach an agreement that satisfied all parties.
A total of 18 players have committed to multi-year contracts, while an additional eight players have opted for the traditional annual contracts. Furthermore, the board has granted England Development contracts to three more players.
Promising talent Harry Brook, former test captain Joe Root, and fast bowler Mark Wood have each inked three-year central contracts, marking Harry Brook’s first inclusion in the ECB central contracts. Meanwhile, 15 players, including the likes of Jofra Archer, limited-over captain Jos Buttler, wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, and emerging pace sensation Gus Atkinson, have signed two-year deals.
In an unexpected move, Test skipper Ben Stokes has choses a 12-month contract with the ECB. Joining him are veteran James Anderson and all-rounder Moeen Ali, among eight players who have opted for the standard annual contract. Dawid Malan, who missed out on a contract last year, has been rewarded with an annual contract this time. Notably, David Willey has been left out despite being part of the squad currently competing in the ongoing ODI World Cup in India.
The board has also awarded development contracts to three players: Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, and the uncapped John Turner.
Here’s the breakdown of the ECB contracts:
- ECB Three-Year Central Contract: Harry Brook, Joe Root, Mark Wood
- ECB Two-Year Central Contract: Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, John Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ban Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
- ECB One-Year Central ContractL Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Dawin Malan, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley
- England Development Contracts: Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, John Turner
- Editor
- October 25, 2023
- 9:52 am
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