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Only single-year central contact for Ben Stokes while ECB hands out first multi-year contracts: All details here

A total of 29 players were handed contracts by the England Cricket Board (ECB) under the new regime. Only three players got three-year central contracts.

SportsTak Desk

• Tue • 24 Oct 2023

Ben Stokes during a training session in World Cup 2023 (Getty Images)

Highlights:

David Willey is the only player from the current World Cup squad who did not get a contract.

England Cricket Board (ECB) announced its first batch of multi-year central contracts on October 24. The notable absentee from the list of players who have been handed three and two-year contracts include their Test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Only three players have been handed three-year contracts including former skipper Joe Root, Harry Brook, and fast bowler Mark Wood.

In total, 29 players have been included in the list of contracts. England opener Jason Roy who was replaced by Brook in the World Cup 2023 squad missed out on a central contract. Other notable omissions include Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, and Olly Stone.

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Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Dan Lawrence, Phil Salt, and David Willey are other players who have missed out on a contract. Among these, Willey is the only player who is part of the current World Cup squad.

Stokes getting just a one-year contract is also an indicator that he may prioritise only a particular format after a while and play franchise cricket.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: "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.”