England's first multi-year men's central contract: All we know
What's the story
England announced a list of 26 players who have signed their multi-year central contracts on Tuesday. As many as 18 of the players have signed their first multi-year England contracts. Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Mark Wood are the players with three-year contracts, while ODI captain Jos Buttler has opted for a two-year contract. Shockingly, Ben Stokes has turned down England's three-year contract.
Explainer
What are England's new multi-year central contracts?
ECB revamped their previous central contract structure to suppress the threat of franchise cricket teams luring their superstars. Notably, the Indian Premier League (IPL) among other T20 tournaments has been ruling the roost, allowing franchises to lure players throughout the year. Earlier reports suggested that Mumbai Indians were interested in signing Jofra Archer full time after he featured for MI Cape Town.
Contracts
Brook, Root, and Wood accept three-year central contracts
As mentioned, Brook, Wood and Root are the three players to accept the three-year central contracts. Brook has been a mainstay batter for England in all three formats along with Wood. Root is also a crucial player for the Three Lions in their Test and ODI setups. These three players have chosen security in their careers over anything else.
Stokes
Stokes turns down three-year contract
England's Test captain Stokes has turned down the three-year contract to be in a stronger position next year. He wanted to trade off security to be in a stronger position in 2024 when the MoU will be signed and the new broadcast cycle will start. The contract system considers performances in the previous year and gives priority to players who feature in multiple formats.
Rob Key
Key clarifies Stokes's stance on contract situation
"By no means does it mean that Stokes doesn't want to play for England," England's managing director Rob Key told Sky Sports. "All he ever talks about is how we can keep getting better. We're going to meet soon and start talking about the India tour that we've got after Christmas. I wouldn't read into [the length of his contract] at all."
Contracts
Which players have secured two-year contracts?
A total of 15 England players accepted a two-year central contract. Buttler, Rehan Ahmed, Archer, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, and Josh Tongue are the ones with two-year contracts. Talented pacers like Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, and John Turner have signed development contracts.
Contract
Eight players signed a one-year contract
Along with Stokes, the likes of Moeen Ali, James Anderson, and Dawid Malan are among the few who have accepted one-year contracts. They are all at the twilight of their career. Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, and Reece Topley are the other players on the list. Most of the names here play only a single format for England.
Absentees
Who are the notable absentees?
There are a few absentees including David Willey, who is the only player from the England ICC World Cup squad to not get a contract. Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Dan Lawrence, and Phil Salt are the other absentees. However, Jacks is expected to feature for England in all three formats. Jason Roy, who was released from his previous contract, is also committed to play.