The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced central contracts in 2000 as a way to give them more control over their best players.
Last week, the ECB issued 39 central contracts to men's players for the 2026-27 season. Of them, 30 were full central contracts; the other nine were development contracts.
For the 2025-26 term, the ECB announced their women's central contracts at the end of November. Then, 17 players were on full contracts and four players were on 'skills' deals, akin to the men's development contracts.
Should a player receive an ECB central contract, the ECB effectively becomes their primary employer ahead of the county side that they also represent.
It is expected that the ECB will pay most or all of a centrally contracted player's salary, although that will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
#contracts #central #england #Cricket
Last week, the ECB issued 39 central contracts to men's players for the 2026-27 season. Of them, 30 were full central contracts; the other nine were development contracts.
For the 2025-26 term, the ECB announced their women's central contracts at the end of November. Then, 17 players were on full contracts and four players were on 'skills' deals, akin to the men's development contracts.
Should a player receive an ECB central contract, the ECB effectively becomes their primary employer ahead of the county side that they also represent.
It is expected that the ECB will pay most or all of a centrally contracted player's salary, although that will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
#contracts #central #england #Cricket
7 days ago
