ECB announces restructuring of central contract system for cricketers

Published: September 29 2016 | 10:19

Last updated: October 4 2016 | 18:13

The ECB announces a new system for central contracts to give limited-overs specialists a financial boost.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a new plan for central contracts, which gives limited-overs specialists a financial boost.

The new system includes the introduction of White Ball contracts, which will give recipients a supplement as well as their County salary.

Test players and those who compete in all forms of the game will have their wages paid in full by the ECB.

Jonny Bairstow has been handed a Test contract, while Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes are awarded with a Test and White Ball contract.

The amount of money that the players earn will be based on a 'ranking', which will take performances, fielding, fitness and off-field contribution into consideration.

ECB selectors have also awarded batsman Gary Ballance with an increment deal, which will run for the next 12 months.

Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss said: "We believe the restructure of the central contract system will recognise the increased focus of the shorter format and the importance that we place on this as we continue our progress towards hosting the 2019 World Cup.

"It is undeniable that the introduction of central contracts in 2002 has greatly benefited the fortunes of the England Test team. During this period the team has consistently performed well against the other Test nations around the world. We hope that continues over the next few years.

"The international game is evolving rapidly, and we have to keep pace with developments on the field. Our game wide strategy sets out the objective of creating balance between the formats, and this is reflected by the restructure of Central contracts. Ultimately, we are fully committed developing world class players in both Red and White Ball cricket to aid the goal of becoming the world's number one team."

The deals will come into effect from October 1.

Test contracts:

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Mark Wood Durham)

White Ball contracts:

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)
Eoin Morgan (Middlesex)
Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
David Willey (Yorkshire)