Jos Buttler has resigned from his position as England’s white-ball captain following their exit from the Champions Trophy group stage. He announced on Friday that his final match as captain would be against South Africa in Karachi, stating, “It’s the right decision for me and the right decision for the team.”
England’s early elimination from the Champions Trophy came after losses in their first two group matches against Australia and Afghanistan. Their preparation for the tournament included a tour to India where they managed only one win out of eight games under Brendon McCullum, who was on his first white-ball tour as coach.
“I’m going to stand down as England captain,” Buttler stated. “It’s the right decision for me and the right decision for the team. Hopefully, someone else coming in alongside Baz will guide the team to where it needs to be.” Harry Brook, the current vice-captain, is considered a leading candidate to succeed Buttler.
Buttler will continue playing for England and expressed his desire to “get back to really enjoying my cricket.” He added, “The overriding emotions are still sadness and disappointment. I’m sure, in time, that will pass, and I can return to enjoying my cricket and reflect on the immense honor of captaining my country and all the special aspects that come with it.”
Buttler was appointed as captain in June 2022, succeeding Eoin Morgan, and led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup in Australia later that year. However, England’s performance has significantly declined since then. After three consecutive unsuccessful ICC events – the 2023 50-over World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy – Buttler decided to step down.
Following England’s eight-run defeat to Afghanistan on Wednesday, their ninth loss in ten white-ball matches this year, Buttler hinted at his resignation. He mentioned needing to “consider all possibilities” and determine if he was “part of the problem or part of the solution.”
“It was quite clear that this tournament was going to be important, both in terms of results and for my captaincy,” Buttler explained. “Two losses and being out of the tournament felt like a continuation of previous tournaments. I felt I had reached the end of my captaincy, which is regrettable and saddening.”
He continued, “With Brendon’s recent arrival, I was excited to work closely with him for a quick turnaround and to move the team forward. However, it hasn’t worked out as planned, and it feels like the right moment for a change for both myself and the team.”
Buttler’s captaincy had been under increasing scrutiny due to England’s prolonged poor ODI form since the beginning of the 2023 World Cup. As defending champions, England won only three out of nine group matches and were the first team eliminated from the tournament. This marked the start of a period where they lost 18 of their last 25 ODIs, including the two Champions Trophy matches that led to their early exit.
While Buttler is likely to be remembered as one of England’s greatest white-ball batsmen, his ODI form, mirroring the team’s, has declined sharply in the past 18 months. He averages 26.40 in his last 21 innings, with a strike rate just above 100, down from his career ODI strike rate of 115.97. In the recent Champions Trophy games, he achieved starts but was dismissed for 23 off 21 balls and 38 off 42 balls.
Brook is favored to succeed Buttler, although McCullum stated that England has not yet decided on a candidate. McCullum praised Buttler’s leadership and expressed his sadness at his resignation. He said, “We’ve all seen over the last couple of years how much he’s invested in captaining his country and trying to get the best out of his teammates. People forget that he won a World Cup only a couple of years ago, which is an achievement that can never be taken away. It’s incredibly unselfish of Jos to step aside and make way for someone else, and he remains a crucial player for us going forward. We will definitely explore ways to maximize his impact in his role.”
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, and Richard Gould, CEO of the ECB, both acknowledged Buttler’s contributions as captain.
Key commented, “Working with Jos has been a pleasure. He faced numerous challenges but never hesitated in his efforts to move the team forward. No one deserved that World Cup victory in Australia more than him. I look forward to seeing him back in the team and performing at his best.”
Gould added, “I want to thank Jos for his dedication over the past two and a half years as England Men’s white-ball captain. Under his leadership, England became T20 World Champions, and throughout his tenure, he has been a role model both on and off the field.”
“Jos is one of cricket’s all-time great white-ball players. I have been fortunate to follow his career since he emerged as a young player at Somerset, and I hope we have many more years to enjoy watching him wear the England shirt.”
