Sat Nov 02 14:10:00 UTC 2024: ## England Cricket Captains Extend Contracts, Five New Faces Secure Central Deals
**London, UK:** England’s two captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The move reinforces their commitment to leading the national team across formats.
The announcement comes as part of the ECB’s multi-year central contract system introduced in 2023. In total, 29 men’s team players have secured central contracts, with seven receiving two-year deals, 19 signing annual contracts, and three joining the England development program.
The central contracts are awarded based on players’ performances and their projected roles in the England team across all formats. Notably, five players have secured central contracts for the first time: wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith (two-year deal), and Will Jacks, Shoaib Bashir, Phil Salt, and Olly Stone (one-year deals).
Joining the England Development Program are Jacob Bethell and Josh Hull, alongside John Turner. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson has extended his stay with a two-year contract, while Jack Leach and Reece Topley have secured one-year deals each.
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, expressed his delight at the quality of players secured under the central contract system. “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,” Key stated. “These contracts reward the players we believe will play an important role for our England Men’s teams.”
Key added, “Both our captains, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritize playing for their country.”
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