England handed out the first multi-year central contracts
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a new system of multi-year central contracts for its men’s players, which includes multi-year deals for the first time since 2000.
The system covers both red-ball and white-ball players and considers their performances in the past year as well as their expected impact in the future.
The ECB said it worked closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.
Multi-Year Central Contracts:
Three-year contracts for Brook, Root and Wood
Among the 18 players who have been offered central contracts, three have been given three-year deals: Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Mark Wood. Brook, 24, is a rising star who made his international debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023 and scored a century against South Africa.
Root is the captain of the Test team and the leading run-scorer in Tests in 2023 with 1,482 runs at an average of 74.10. Wood is a fast bowler who has been a regular in all formats and took 32 wickets in Tests in 2023 at an average of 25.03.
Two-year contracts for Buttler, Archer and others
Buttler is the captain of the white-ball teams and one of the most destructive batsmen in the world. Archer is a pace sensation who has been recovering from an elbow injury and is expected to return to action next year.
Ahmed, Atkinson, Carse, Duckett, Potts, and Tongue are all newcomers who have impressed in domestic cricket and have been given opportunities to play for England.
One-year contracts for Stokes, Malan and Anderson
Eight players have opted for one-year contracts, including Ben Stokes, Dawid Malan and James Anderson. Stokes is the Test vice-captain and one of the best all-rounders in the world.
Malan is a prolific batsman who missed out on a full deal last year but has been rewarded for his consistent performances in recent months. Anderson is a veteran bowler who is still going strong at 41 and has taken 28 wickets in Tests in 2023 at an average of 22.71.
Development contracts for Fisher, Turner, and Mahmood
The ECB has also given development contracts to three young players: Matthew Fisher, John Turner, and Saqib Mahmood. These are designed to support players who are not yet ready for full central contracts but have the potential to play for England in the future.
Fisher is a fast bowler who has been hampered by injuries but has shown promise in county cricket. Turner is a left-arm spinner who has been part of England’s spin-bowling group. Mahmood is a fast bowler who has played for England in limited-overs cricket and has been impressive in domestic cricket.
Conclusion
The new system of central contracts is a significant change for English cricket and reflects the ever-changing landscape of the sport. The ECB hopes that by offering multi-year deals to its players, it can secure their commitment and loyalty in the face of the lure of franchise leagues.
The players, on the other hand, have the option to choose the length of their contracts based on their personal preferences and circumstances. The system also recognizes the performances of the players in the past year and their expected impact in the future. The ECB said it will review the system annually and make adjustments as necessary.
