ECB announces central contracts; Ben Stokes, Bethell pen two-year deal, Bairstow, Livingstone not offered

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the central contracts for the 2025-26 with 30 players awarded the deals. Test captain Ben Stokes, limited-overs captain Harry Brook, senior players Jos Buttler, Joe Root and Adil Rashid are part of the two-year deal among the 14 players. Meanwhile, 12 players are on a one-year deal with the board.

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