Express pacer Jofra Archer has been awarded a central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the 2026-27 season, with the pacer expected to continue playing a key role across formats for the England cricket team.
Jofra Archer, the Rajasthan Royals’ top wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 25 scalps, is among 30 players named on England’s expanded central contract list.
The new system covers both red-ball and white-ball cricket, taking into account recent performances and players’ potential involvement across formats.
The central contract places Archer among a group of established England internationals, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson and Jos Buttler, who have been awarded a two-year deal, which runs until September 30, 2028.
Archer has been included as a part of established England internationals like Joe Root, Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson and Jos Buttler in securing a two-year central contract, running until September 30, 2028.
Since breaking into the international scene during the 2019 Ashes series, Archer has gone on to become one of England’s most impactful fast bowlers and also played a key role in the Three Lions’ 2019 ODI World Cup triumph.
After overcoming a difficult phase marred with persistent back and elbow injuries, Jofra Archer has returned to his best and been a constant in the English bowling attack across formats this year.
He has played 27 international matches - five Tests, six ODIs and 16 T20Is - for England across formats since the start of the year.
The right-arm pacer has taken 24 wickets at an average of 22.38 in T20Is and six wickets in as many ODIs this year.
However, most of his wickets on the international stage this year have come in Tests, where he has taken 23 wickets in just five matches.
Archer was also named Player of the Series in the Tests against New Zealand earlier this year.
