On Friday, February 28, Jos Buttler announced his resignation as captain of England’s white-ball teams. The announcement was made after England failed to progress beyond the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The 34-year-old announced the news at a media conference in Karachi. This was before England’s final group match against South Africa.
“It’s a decision that is right for me and the team,” Buttler said. He hopes a fresh head can join forces with Brendon McCullum to refresh the squad.
“I know results-wise this tournament is important for my captaincy,” he admitted. Buttler said he was sad to go, but felt he had “come to the end of the road.”
England’s tournament fell apart with defeats to Australia and Afghanistan in Group B, which knocked them out of the tournament in the first round.
Buttler said, “I was excited to work under Brendon and to turn things around. But, he admitted, the plan didn’t work, and the time had come for a change.
Buttler was asked if stepping down had been a relief, but he disagreed. He described the role of England captain as a tremendous honour that he treasured.
Buttler succeeded Eoin Morgan as captain in June 2022. That year he guided England to the T20 World Cup title in Australia.
Ever since, England’s record in ICC events has plummeted. His departure followed poor performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and now 2025 Champions Trophy.
Harry Brook, the current vice-captain, is the frontrunner in succeeding Buttler. The 23-year-old batsman is also in the running for the spot.
Buttler’s stint as captain spanned 67 ODIs and 54 T20Is. His leadership culminated with the 2022 victory, but he could not maintain the momentum.
It marks a change of direction as England seeks to rebuild under McCullum’s leadership. A new captain will guide the white-ball side forward.
