England’s centrally-contracted male players agree to 15 per cent pay cut for the next 12 months following coronavirus pandemic

England captain Joe Root and his fellow centrally-contracted team-mates have agreed to a 15 per cent wage reduction over the next 12 months as the England and Wales Cricket Board look to cut costs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In September, the ECB announced it was to cut 62 jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ECB expects around a £100million deficiency in its accounts because of the restrictions brought on by the pandemic and more losses could follow in 2021.

And as a result, they have reached an agreement with Team England Partnership which will see players take a pay cut to help them.

Director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles said: ‘I would like to thank the players and TEPP for their collaboration, which has enabled us to reach this agreement.

‘The relationship with our men’s players and their representatives (TEPP) is strong, and we need to recognise that our players, led by captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan, have conducted themselves with great maturity and responsibility throughout this challenging time.

‘We now want to build on this agreement and work together on a number of areas relating to player welfare, particularly mental health, which remains a high priority for all of us, as we continue to navigate a path through this pandemic.’

Richard Bevan, chairman of the Team England Player Partnership, said: ‘These are unprecedented times and once again the players have shown that they fully appreciate the important role they play in helping cricket emerge from this pandemic in as strong a position as possible.

‘In agreeing to this revised remuneration package, they have shown great responsibility and unity with the wider game.

‘TEPP would like to place on record our appreciation to the ECB for their cooperative approach in agreeing a way forward throughout these challenging circumstances.’