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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed new two-year central contracts for both Test captain Ben Stokes and limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler on Thursday.
While Buttler’s agreement adds an additional year to his existing contract, Stokes’s commitment extends through 2026, which also includes the Ashes in Australia late next year.
“Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country,” AFP quoted Rob Key, the managing director of England cricket for men.
Gus Atkinson has received an extended contract until 2026, while Harry Brook, Joe Root and Mark Wood maintain their existing two-year arrangements.
A first-time England contract has been awarded to Jamie Smith for two years. Smith has been England’s primary Test wicketkeeper in recent times.
New one-year central contracts have been granted to four players: Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, and Will Jacks, marking their initial inclusion in England’s contracted roster.
“These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England men’s teams,” Key added. “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,”
The ECB has reduced its multi-year contracts from 18 in the previous October to just seven players in the current round.
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