ECB extends invitation to Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler to join board meetings

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are going to continue with their inclusive approach at the top level as Richard Thompson, the newly appointed chairman, has extended his invitation to England captains to participate in board meetings.

The latest initiative has been rolled out to spread awareness about the functioning of the game to the top hierarchy. England's red-ball skipper Ben Stokes, limited overs captain Jos Buttler and women’s captain Heather Knight are invited to attend the upcoming board meetings, having already attended at least one board meeting in the past.

Apart from the national captains, England's managing director Rob Key will also attend the meeting, but he won't be able to cast his vote on the matters discussed in the meetings, a role Andrew Strauss played before his recent departure. It was Richard Thompson who introduced the move in an attempt to increase the number of cricket figures on the board.

ECB mulling over long-term lucrative deals for cricketers in the country

Ever since his appointment in September last year, Thompson has made a whole host of changes in the board, replacing eight out of 12 roles and introducing four new members. It is believed that his decision to include the England captains in the board meeting could also influence the board's relationship with the players.

It could also be a game-changer for the board at a time when franchise cricket is at the peak of its powers. The board is also mulling over changes to central contracts in a bid to offer more lucrative deals to the prominent players, securing their services for the national side for multiple years.

Both Stokes and Buttler are currently lending their services to IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, respectively. Both of them are understood to have a great influence on cricketers in the country and could help strengthen ECB's bond with their players.