ECB announces England men's central contracts for 2023-24 season as per revamped system
The England Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the new contract list for the 2023-24 season. According to the new system, players have received contracts based on their likelihood of featuring in the format over the next few years and 29 cricketers have been shortlisted.
The system has taken into account both red and white-ball cricketers's performances in the preceding year and offers them contracts for a specific period. Out of the 29 players that have received contracts, 18 have received multi-year contracts, while eight are on the annual contract list. The remaining three have earned developmental contracts.
The likes of Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue have emerged in the list for the first time. Yorkshire batter Dawid Malan has also sparked a return after missing out last year.
ECB's managing director Robert Key congratulated all the players who are part of the contract list and hopes the new system will trigger more commitment in these cricketers. He stated, as quoted by ecb.co.uk:
"We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England. It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.
"I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England's efforts over the next few years.”
Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood and John Turner have been offered development contracts to assist in the progress of these high-potential talents.
England's central contract players' breakdown
Three-year central contracts: Harry Brook, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Two-year central contracts: Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
One-year central contracts: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley.
Developmental contracts: Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood, John Turner.
England, captained by Buttler, are currently competing in the 2023 World Cup in India.