Chris Woakes Signs Two-Year Contract with Warwickshire Cricket

Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes has signed a new two-year contract with Warwickshire Cricket, marking a significant shift in his career following his international retirement. Woakes, who concluded his England journey after being omitted from the Ashes series in Australia, expressed his commitment to the club as he embarks on this new chapter.

Woakes’ departure from international cricket came after he faced challenges recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained during the final home Test match against India. Despite his injury, he batted with his arm in a sling during that match, which was his 62nd and final Test appearance. Throughout his impressive international career, Woakes was part of the England teams that won the ODI and T20 World Cups, amassing a total of 217 appearances across all formats.

Commitment to Warwickshire

The new contract enables Woakes to participate in all three formats of cricket for Warwickshire, extending his association with the club to over two decades. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Warwickshire, Woakes stated, “For obvious reasons, Warwickshire has always remained close to my heart. From training at the academy to signing my first professional contract, the club has been at every pivotal career moment over almost two decades.”

Woakes emphasized that extending his commitment for another two years feels like the beginning of a “new chapter” with a club he considers home. He is optimistic about the upcoming season, saying, “2026 already promises to be a fantastic year for domestic cricket. We’ve got a talented squad, with a good mix of youth and experience, and I genuinely believe we are in a great position to be challenging for trophies throughout the new season.”

A Legacy at Warwickshire

Since making his first-class debut for Warwickshire in 2006, Woakes has been integral to the club’s successes, contributing to victories in the T20 Blast, One Day Cup, and County Championship. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team seeks to enhance its performance and pursue major honours in the upcoming seasons.

James Thomas, Warwickshire’s performance director, applauded the signing, remarking, “Securing Chris’ signature for another two years means so much to everyone at the club. A true one-club legend and a bear through and through, he embodies everything that playing for Warwickshire should mean.” Thomas highlighted Woakes as a role model for aspiring young players, noting that his long-standing excellence serves as a benchmark for high performance.

As Woakes prepares to continue his career with Warwickshire, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting period in domestic cricket. The blend of experience and youth in the squad positions them well for competitive challenges ahead, especially as they aim for success in the 2026 season.