Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Bashir Set to Keep England Central Contract Despite Limited Tests
Shoaib Bashir is an England cricket player who bowls spin.
He has not played much for the Test team recently.
Even so, he is expected to keep his central contract.
He has taken 71 wickets in 21 Tests since his debut in 2024.
England may choose not to play him in its upcoming series in South Africa.
The report says he could be more important when England tours Bangladesh in February.
England’s cricket board is expected to announce its contracts soon.
Some other players may receive contracts, too.
Shoaib Bashir is expected to retain his England central contract despite limited recent opportunities in the Test side.
He has played two Tests since July 2025; he did not bowl in one of them.
Bashir has taken 71 wickets in 21 Tests since making his debut against India in 2024.
His place for England’s December-January series in South Africa remains uncertain, while he could be important against Bangladesh in February.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to announce contracts with new additions; Jordan Cox, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence and Ollie Robinson are reported as likely candidates.
- Who
- England spinner Shoaib Bashir and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
- What
- Bashir is expected to retain his central contract despite limited recent playing opportunities.
- When
- The ECB is expected to name contracts; the article does not give an announcement date. England’s South Africa series is scheduled for December-January, and its Bangladesh series for February next year.
- Where
- England; the upcoming series discussed are in South Africa and Bangladesh.
- Why
- The report says Bashir may be needed as England’s frontline spin option for its away series in Bangladesh.
- Bashir’s recent Test appearances
- Two matches since July 2025
- Test record
- 71 wickets in 21 Tests
- Test debut
- Against India in 2024
- South Africa series
- Scheduled for December-January; his chances of playing are unclear
- Bangladesh series
- Scheduled for February next year; Bashir could be England’s frontline spin option
- Potential new contract recipients
- Jordan Cox, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence and Ollie Robinson are reported as likely candidates
- Other contract context
- Ben Stokes and Mark Wood have retired, while Brydon Carse is under investigation by the Cricket Regulator, according to the article