Daily Times

ECB unveils multi-year contracts with Ben Stokes choosing one-year Deal.

England Test captain Ben Stokes has been granted a one-year central contract as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduces a new multi-year system.

Reports from British media suggest that Stokes, who previously indicated an understanding of players opting for lucrative T20 tournaments over England contracts, declined a multi-year deal.

Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, downplayed concerns and explained that the one-year contract is a pragmatic approach. He emphasised that contract negotiations often align with broadcasting cycles, and the next cycle commences next year. This setup allows renegotiations and contract adjustments.

Key clarified that having a one-year contract doesn’t indicate any lack of commitment from Ben Stokes to play for England.

The new system involves three-year central contracts for players like Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Mark Wood. White-ball captain Jos Buttler received a two-year contract.

The ECB considers players’ likelihood of featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while also acknowledging their performances in the previous year.

The ECB stated, “Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000.” Seven players, including Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue, have secured two-year central contracts.

Rob Key emphasised that these contracts reward players expected to make a significant impact for England in the coming years. Additionally, Dawid Malan, who missed out on a full contract last year, received a one-year deal due to his recent outstanding form. Veteran bowler James Anderson was also granted a one-year contract, along with development contracts for Matthew Fisher, John Turner, and Saqib Mahmood.

In 2021, England shifted to a new central contract system, deviating from the previous separation of red-ball and white-ball deals introduced in 2016.