The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially unveiled their men’s central contract list for the 2025–26 season, featuring 30 players under varying categories.
ECB announces 2025–26 men’s central contract list
The updated structure reflects the board’s renewed focus on stability, workload management, and rewarding consistent performances across formats. This year’s announcement sees a mix of senior international stars and emerging domestic talents, signaling England’s commitment to long-term squad depth.
According to the ECB, the revised contract system covers both red-ball and white-ball cricket, considering each player’s recent form and likelihood of international selection. A total of 14 players have received two-year central contracts, 12 have been awarded one-year deals, while four youngsters have earned development contracts. The move also marks the introduction of several debutants into the central contract fold, a step towards integrating the next generation of England cricketers into the national framework.
England cricket: Two-year and one-year central contracts
The ECB’s decision to grant two-year central contracts to its multi-format players ensures stability and workload balance for its busiest stars. Key names in this group include Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer, forming the experienced spine of the national setup. Alongside them, emerging performers such as Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Will Jacks have been recognised for their growing impact. Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, stated that multi-format commitments required secure long-term deals to help the ECB manage player fitness and international scheduling more efficiently.
- Two-Year Central Contracts:
Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson , Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse Sam Curran Ben Duckett Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue
Meanwhile, the one-year central contracts, running until September 2026, feature a combination of proven performers and first-time awardees. Names like Zak Crawley, Rehan Ahmed, Ollie Pope, Phil Salt and Mark Wood highlight England’s core across formats. Notably, Sonny Baker, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, and Luke Wood have earned their first-ever central contracts, a recognition of their steady rise through domestic circuits. The ECB’s strategy is designed to offer flexibility amid an expanding franchise calendar, ensuring that England’s centrally contracted players remain fully committed to international cricket.
- One-Year Central Contracts
Rehan Ahmed Sonny Baker* Shoaib Bashir * Zak Crawley Liam Dawson * Saqib Mahmood * Jamie Overton * Ollie Pope Matthew Potts Phil Salt Mark Wood *Luke Wood *
Note: [* denotes newly centrally contracted for 2025-26]
Development contracts and ECB’s long-term vision
To complement the senior setup, the ECB has introduced development contracts aimed at nurturing future international prospects. The 2025–26 season sees Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes, and Mitchell Stanley brought into this category, ensuring that England’s next generation gains early exposure to the demands of elite cricket. Three of these players — Jack, Lawes, and Stanley, have received development deals for the first time, joining Hull, who continues from last season.
Rob Key explained that this new tier of contracts aligns with England’s broader developmental pathway, offering structured support and closer integration between domestic and international programs. The ECB believed that maintaining strong competition across formats requires not only rewarding excellence but also investing in potential. By formalizing these contracts, the board aims to provide emerging talents with the financial security and professional guidance necessary to prepare them for future international roles.
Development Contracts
- Josh Hull
- Eddie Jack
- Tom Lawes
- Mitchell Stanley
