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In a dramatic turn of events, Jos Buttler has stepped down as England’s white-ball captain following the team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes on the heels of a crushing defeat to Afghanistan, which sealed England’s elimination from the tournament and marked their seventh consecutive loss.
Buttler, who assumed the captaincy from Eoin Morgan in July 2022, had previously led England to a triumphant victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, since then, England’s performance has significantly declined, culminating in consecutive group-stage eliminations at major ICC events, including the ODI World Cup 2023 and now the Champions Trophy 2025.
England’s performance under Jos Buttler
Under Buttler’s leadership, England played a total of 58 white-ball matches, securing just 26 wins. The team’s struggles were evident in their semi-final exit in the T20 World Cup 2024, followed by this latest failure in the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite initial success, Buttler’s tenure as captain has been marred by inconsistency and a lack of cohesion within the team.
Buttler’s resignation was announced on Friday (February 28), in Karachi, a day before England’s final Group B match against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi. This match will now be his last as the leader of England’s white-ball setups.
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Reaction to Buttler’s resignation
The decision to step down reflects Buttler’s acknowledgment of the team’s underperformance and his willingness to take responsibility for the results. England’s early exit from the Champions Trophy, particularly after losing to Afghanistan, has been seen as a significant setback. The defeat to Afghanistan was a turning point, as Buttler had indicated after the match that he would be open to discussing his future with the team management and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Impact on England’s cricket
Buttler’s resignation marks a significant shift in England’s cricket leadership. The search for a new captain will begin immediately, with several candidates likely to be considered for the role. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will need to act swiftly to stabilize the team ahead of future tournaments.
England’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been disappointing, with losses to Australia and Afghanistan highlighting the team’s struggles. The team’s inability to adapt to different conditions and opponents has been a recurring issue, and addressing these challenges will be crucial for the new captain.
