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England’s white-ball cricket has just witnessed a major shake-up! Jos Buttler has stepped down as captain following the team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The 34-year-old made the announcement ahead of England’s final group-stage match against South Africa, set to take place in Karachi on Saturday.
Buttler: “The Right Time for a Change”
In an emotional press conference on Friday, Buttler explained his decision:
🗣️ “It’s the right decision for me, it’s the right decision for the team, and hopefully, somebody else can come in and work closely alongside [Brendon McCullum] to take the team back to where it needs to be.”
England’s disastrous campaign saw them crash out after consecutive losses to Australia and Afghanistan, failing to make it past the group stage.
The wicketkeeper-batsman admitted he was aware that this tournament would define his captaincy, and after the poor results, he felt he had “reached the end of the road.”
💬 “With Brendon coming in only recently, I was really excited to work alongside him and turn things around, but it hasn’t worked out that way. It feels like the right time for me and the team to have a change.”
An Emotional Farewell
When asked if stepping down felt like a relief, Buttler was quick to dismiss the idea:
🗣️ “It’s an immense honor to captain your country.”
By the time he leads England for one last time against South Africa, he will have captained 96 matches—45 ODIs and 51 T20Is.
Let’s not forget that Buttler is one of only three men to lead England to an ICC title, having lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022.
McCullum & ECB Pay Tribute
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum expressed his admiration for Buttler’s leadership:
🗣️ “People forget he won a World Cup two years ago—that can never be taken away from him. He’s given everything to this role and often led without his best players. It’s incredibly unselfish of him to step aside.”
Despite stepping down as captain, McCullum assured that Buttler remains a key player for England’s future.
🏏 England Men’s Managing Director Robert Key also had high praise for the outgoing captain:
💬 “Nobody deserved that T20 World Cup win in Australia more than Jos. It’s been a pleasure working with him, and I can’t wait to see him back in the ranks at his best.”
What’s Next for England?
With Buttler’s resignation marking the end of an era, who will step up as England’s next white-ball captain? Could it be a fresh face, or will an experienced player take charge?
🔥 Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Who should be England’s next captain?
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