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In a significant update to England’s central contract roster, 21-year-old batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been added to the prestigious list with a two-year contract. This marks a remarkable milestone for the Warwickshire player, who previously held a development contract alongside emerging talents Josh Hull and John Turner.
Jacob Bethell’s meteoric rise recognized with a two-year central contract
England initially unveiled their central contract allocations over a month ago, naming 29 players in various categories. The updated list now reflects additional changes, including extended contracts for key players and Bethell’s promotion. The updated structure includes two-year central contracts for prominent names such as Jofra Archer, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes, while a one-year agreement has been awarded to players like Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley.
England Two-Year Central Contracts: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, ﷺMatthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smಌith, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood
England One-Year Central Contracts: Rehan Ahmed, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Ducket𝄹t, Will Jacks, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Josh Tongue, Reece Topley, Chris Woakes
England Development contracts: Josh Hull, John Turner
The updated list also brings contract extensions for several key players. Star pacer Jofra Archer, bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse, and right-arm medium-fast bowler Matthew Potts have seen their contracts upgraded from one year to two years, cementing their importance to England’s plans for the future.
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Bethell’s rapid rise in international and franchise cricket
Bethell’s promotion to a two-year central contract is a testament to his impressive trajectory in cricket. Already a player who has represented England across all formats, Bethell’s inclusion places him among the elite stars of English cricket at a remarkably young age.
Bethell even gained recognition on the global stage during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, where he was one of the standout acquisitions. Entering the auction at INR 1.60 crore, he was ultimately purchased by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 2.60 crore, demonstrating h𒉰is value as a highly 🐲sought-after player.
