Shoaib Bashir set to retain ECB contract despite limited England Test role

England spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to retain his ECB contract for the 2026-27 cycle despite playing only two Tests in the past 12 months. The ECB's contract announcement, which had been expected this week, has been pushed back to next week, and Bashir's name is among those set to feature on the list.

Bashir, who turns 23 next week, played twice in England's 2-1 series loss to New Zealand this summer but was an unused squad member throughout their 3-0 win over Pakistan. His prospects of selection fell sharply after Ben Stokes' international retirement forced England to rebalance their Test team.

Bashir's inclusion reflects the ECB's broader approach to player security, even when appearances have been limited. The ECB offered 26 men's central contracts last year alongside four pace-bowling development contracts, and those retirements could prompt the total number of offers to grow slightly.