ECB revamp men's contract system as 20 players get annual deals

Replacing their previous contract model, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have awarded a central contract for the 2021-22 season to 20 men players. The previous policy that differentiated red-ball and white-ball players had come under the scanner in the recent past for being too inflexible and rigid.

For instance, there was not a single spinner in Test contracts awarded for the 2020-21 season despite as many as six Tests (two against Sri Lanka, four against India) scheduled in the duration in Asia.

The revised contracts have been developed in consultations with the players, Team England Player Partnership (TEPP) and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) and take into consideration the likelihood of players representing England across all formats in the coming year.

Dawid Malan, Jack Leach and Ollie Robinson have been handed maiden central contracts, while ECB has awarded four increment contracts to Dom Bess, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone. Notable exclusions are those of opener Dom Sibley, Sam Billings and David Willey. The latter two have been named in England’s T20 World Cup squad. That aside, both Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer have been included alongside Moeen Ali, who recently retired from Test cricket.

“Since the inception of central contracts in 2002, the system has facilitated improved preparation, performance and professionalism of the England team and has ensured that players are well rewarded for representing their country at the elite level,” Giles added.

“The international game continues to evolve, and we have to be mindful that we have to lead the way in player performance across cricket’s ever-changing landscape. Our objective remains the same to develop world-class players in all three formats as we strive to become the most respected team in the world.

“I would like to congratulate all the players offered agreements for the coming year, particularly newcomers Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, and Ollie Robinson. Receiving your first central contract is a great moment in any player’s career. They will all play a pivotal role in England’s fortunes over the next 12 months.”

Centrally contracted England players: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Increment contracts: Dom Bess, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone

Pace bowling development contracts: Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Olly Stone