On Friday, the ECB has released only one list of 20 players for the 2021/22 season. It was an earlier practice of the ECB to announce separate lists for both white ball and red ball formats. The central retainer makes no such differentiation this time around.
The earlier system, which was introduced with the mission of winning the 2019 50-over World Cup, allowed separate contracts to white-ball and red-ball specialists, has been done away with.
20 new players have been offered contracts on a one-year deal. In addition, four increment and three fast bowling development contacts have been awarded by the Panel, comprising of former spinner Ashley Giles, and head coach Chris Silverwood, among others.
The England Cricket Board, in an official statement, said:
“It is designed to meet England’s future needs in what has become a fluid and dynamic landscape.
The system considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats in the next 12 months whilst also recognizing performances in the preceding year.”
In addition to the 20 Central Contracts, awards have been made for Increment Contracts and Pace Bowling Development Contracts. This structure recognizes players that may feature for England on a less predictable basis and supports developing and managing high potential pace bowlers across all formats.
All-rounder Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer have been offered contracts despite being ruled out indefinitely due to injury. Pacer Ollie Robinson has earned a maiden contract, whereas batsman Dom Sibley. Pace-bowling trio Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, and Olly Stone have won the developmental contracts for pace bowling.
