England Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
The England cricket team is one of the most prestigious and successful teams in the history of the game. As the birthplace of cricket, England has always held a special place in the game. England has many achievements to its name, including the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup victory. They are also known for their dominance in Test cricket and have produced stars who have shone around the world in leagues such as the IPL and The Hundred.
Behind this success is the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which manages the team and ensures that its players are financially secure. Every year, the ECB awards central contracts to players based on their role and importance. In 2023, the ECB introduced multi-year contracts for the first time after doing away with one-year central contracts and deals.
This blog takes a deep dive into England’s 2023-24 central contracts, and the full list of contracted players and their salaries.
ECB Contract Types Explained
Starting in 2023, the ECB changed its contract structure to offer players more stability and flexibility. The introduction of multi-year contracts was a significant step. It helps align England with other major cricket boards such as Cricket Australia and the BCCI.
The ECB now offers four types of contracts:
1. Three-Year Central Contracts
- Long-term contracts for players who expect to play in multiple formats.
- Provide the highest level of financial security.
2. Two-Year Central Contracts
- Awarded to players who consistently play in Tests, ODIs and/or T20Is.
- Provide strong stability and medium-term certainty.
3. One-Year Central Contracts
- Traditional contracts are awarded to players who are still an integral part of the team but are subject to annual review.
- Often used for senior cricketers who are nearing the end of their careers or players who are on the verge of retirement.
4. Development Contracts
- are offered to young or emerging talent who have shown promise.
- They are designed to prepare them for future international roles.
The ECB evaluates these contracts every September. This ensures that players are rewarded for their performance and priority is given to availability in the national team.
England’s Centrally Contracted Players (2023–24)
Below is a list of England’s contracted players, their contract types and reported salaries (where available):
| Players | Contract Types | Salary (in Euros) |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | Three-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Harry Brook | Three-year Contract | NA |
| Mark Wood | Three-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Jos Buttler | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Jonny Bairstow | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Jofra Archer | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Sam Curran | Two-year Contract | 350,000 |
| Rehan Ahmed | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Gus Atkinson | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Brydon Carse | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Zak Crawley | Two-year Contract | 650,000 |
| Ben Duckett | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Liam Livingstone | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Ollie Pope | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Matthew Potts | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Adil Rashid | Two-year Contract | 350,000 |
| Josh Tongue | Two-year Contract | NA |
| Chris Woakes | Two-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Ben Stokes | One-year Contract | 900,000 |
| James Anderson | One-year Contract | 650,000 |
| Moeen Ali | One-year Contract | 900,000 |
| Ben Foakes | One-year Contract | 650,000 |
| Jack Leach | One-year Contract | 650,000 |
| Dawid Malan | One-year Contract | NA |
| Ollie Robinson | One-year Contract | NA |
| Reece Topley | One-year Contract | NA |
| John Turner | Development Contract | NA |
| Matthew Fisher | Development Contract | NA |
| Saqib Mahmood | Development Contract | NA |
- Joe Root, Mark Wood and Harry Brook were given long-term three-year contracts, reflecting their central role in England’s plans.
- Ben Stokes only signed a one-year deal. According to sources, we can say that this was due to his taking charge and retiring from ODIs (before the decision was reversed for the 2023 World Cup).
- Senior players like James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Jack Leach also received one-year contracts. This reflects their importance but with an annual re-evaluation.
- Emerging stars like Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tong were given two-year or development contracts.
How Much do England Cricketers Earn?
England salaries vary depending on the length of the contract and the size of the player. According to reports:
- Top players like Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes earn €900,000 per year through their central contracts.
- Mid-level players like Zac Crawley, James Anderson and Ben Foakes fall in the €650,000 bracket.
- Specialist or role-specific players like Sam Curran and Adil Rashid earn around €350,000.
- Development contracts, although not fully disclosed, are small but provide a stepping stone for young talent.
In addition to ECB contracts, England cricketers also earn money through:
- Match fees for Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
- Domestic tournaments like The Hundred.
- Franchise leagues (such as those with ECB sanction such as the IPL stint).
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships.
Continue Reading: New Zealand Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List
Why Are ECB Contracts Important?
Central contracts ensure that England’s top cricketers remain in international cricket. The ECB controls their availability. This means that players cannot play in county cricket or overseas leagues without permission.
This model balances financial reward with national duty. It helps prevent player burnout and maintain England’s competitiveness in the format. By offering multi-year deals, the ECB has provided stability even in an era where franchise leagues are luring players with offers.
Conclusion
The England Cricket Central Contracts 2023-24 reflect the ECB’s modern approach to securing its talent. With multi-year deals, salaries and development pathways, the system ensures that both old and new players are rewarded.
Stars like Joe, Ben and Buttler are now among the top earners, while players like Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson represent the next generation. With financial backing and careful workload management, England are building for both the present and the future.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
Q1. How do England Cricket Central Contracts Differ From Other Countries?
Countries like India or Pakistan typically offer their players one-year contracts. However, England started offering multi-year central contracts from 2023. Players can now sign three, two or one-year contracts depending on their role.
Q2. Why did Ben Stokes Only Get a One-Year Contract Instead of a Multi-Year Deal?
Ben Stokes’ case is unique. By giving him a one-year contract, the ECB keeps control over his health. They are still paying him top class (€900,000) to reassess his availability and role annually.
Q3. How Much do England Players Earn From The IPL Compared to ECB Contracts?
They earn a pretty good amount. For example, Sam Curran earned over ₹18.5 crore (approximately €2 million) with Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, which is much more than his €350,000 ECB contract.
Q4. What is The Purpose of Development Contracts in England Cricket?
Development contracts are designed for emerging players who are close to breaking into the national team. These deals ensure that young talents are financially supported.
Q5. How do England Cricket Contracts Affect County Cricket and Franchise Leagues?
ECB contracts give the board control over the workload and availability of players. Players with central contracts cannot play for counties or foreign leagues without ECB permission.
