Jos Buttler has resigned as England’s white-ball captain following the team’s group-stage exit at the Champions Trophy. He announced his decision on Friday, stating he would captain one last time against South Africa in Karachi. Buttler expressed that stepping down is the right choice for both him and the team, hoping a new leader alongside Brendon McCullum can enhance their performance. Despite his resignation, Buttler will continue to play and aims to enjoy cricket again. Since taking over in June 2022 and winning the T20 World Cup, England’s results have declined sharply, prompting his decision to resign. Harry Brook is the likely successor.
“I’m going to stand down as England captain,” Buttler stated. “This is the right choice for both myself and the team. I hope that someone new, in conjunction with Baz [Brendon McCullum], will guide the squad to where it needs to go.”
Buttler plans to continue representing England and expressed his desire to “rediscover the joy in my cricket.” He added: “The prevailing feelings are ones of sadness and disappointment. I am confident that in time, those feelings will fade, allowing me to truly enjoy my cricket again, and I will also be able to appreciate what a tremendous honor it is to captain my country along with all the unique experiences it brings.”
Appointed as Eoin Morgan’s successor in June 2022, Buttler led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup in Australia that same year. However, England’s performances have significantly dipped since then, culminating in three consecutive disappointing ICC tournaments—the 2023 50-over World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy—prompting Buttler’s decision to resign.
Following England’s narrow eight-run defeat to Afghanistan on Wednesday, marking their ninth loss in ten white-ball matches this year, he hinted at his resignation. He indicated the need to “explore all options” and determine if he was “part of the problem or part of the solution.”
Harry Brook, Buttler’s vice-captain, is the leading candidate to take over.