Ben Stokes is set to extend his commitment to English cricket by signing a two-year central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
According to a report by The Guardian, this new contract will keep Stokes with the team through to the 2025-26 Ashes tour, providing a significant boost for English cricket.
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Why did Stokes opt for a two-year contract?
Stokes’ decision to sign a two-year deal comes as a surprise since, last year, he had only accepted a one-year contract despite being offered a multiyear deal.
In contrast, players like Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Mark Wood signed long-term deals with the ECB. Stokes had opted for a shorter contract to keep his options open due to uncertainties about his fitness following knee surgery.
However, after a successful return to Test cricket, he is now ready to commit for a longer period. With Stokes leading the Test squad, his role as captain has been pivotal in England’s recent Test resurgence.
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His two-year commitment also aligns with Brendon McCullum’s tenure as head coach, who recently signed a new contract lasting until 2027.
What challenges lie ahead for Stokes?
Stokes will return to lead England in their upcoming Test series against Pakistan next month. His new contract ensures his participation in key tournaments, including the Ashes and the 2025-26 World Test Championship.
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However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Stokes opted out of the IPL and T20 World Cup this year to prioritize his Test career.
His commitment will be tested as England navigates a busy cricketing calendar, including the 2025-26 Ashes tour, where his leadership will be critical.
ECB’s multi-year Central Contracts - All You Need to Know
The ECB announced its central contracts for the 2023-24 season in October 2023, securing 29 players under different contract categories.
These contracts, covering both red-ball and white-ball formats, were introduced to ensure the commitment of players who were expected to play a key role for England across formats.
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The deals included 18 multi-year central contracts, eight one-year contracts, and three development contracts. Players like Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Mark Wood received three-year deals, while Ben Stokes and Reece Topley were given one-year contracts.
Several players, including Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Gus Atkinson, earned their first-ever central contracts during this period.
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