Jos Buttler Resigns as England's White-Ball Captain After Champions Trophy Exit

 Jos Buttler Resigns as England's White-Ball Captain After Champions Trophy Exit

Jos Buttler has stepped down as England’s white-ball captain following their group-stage exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy. Buttler, who had led England since June 2022, confirmed on Friday that he would captain the team for the final time in their match against South Africa in Karachi.

England’s early elimination from the tournament was confirmed after defeats to Australia and Afghanistan in their opening two group matches. In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, England had endured a difficult tour to India, winning just one of their eight matches under new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum.

Buttler acknowledged that his decision to resign was the right one for both himself and the team. “I’m going to stand down as England captain,” Buttler said. “It’s the right decision for me and the right decision for the team. Hopefully somebody else who can come in alongside Baz [Brendon McCullum] will take the team to where it needs to be.” Harry Brook, Buttler's vice-captain, is currently the leading candidate to replace him.

Despite stepping down from the captaincy, Buttler confirmed he would continue to play for England, expressing his desire to "get back to really enjoying my cricket." He reflected on his time as captain, stating, “The overriding emotions are still sadness and disappointment. I’m sure, in time, that will pass, and I can get back to really enjoying my cricket and reflect on what an immense honour it is to captain your country.”

Buttler took over from Eoin Morgan in 2022 and led England to victory in the T20 World Cup later that year. However, England’s performance in subsequent ICC events — including the 2023 World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy — has been disappointing. Following England's eight-run loss to Afghanistan, which marked their ninth defeat in 10 white-ball matches this year, Buttler hinted at his resignation. “Two losses and being out of the tournament [was] a bit of a hangover of tournaments before,” Buttler said. “I’ve just reached the end of the road for me and my captaincy.”

He acknowledged that despite his excitement about working with McCullum, the team's poor form meant it was time for a change. "With Brendon coming in only recently, I was really excited to work closely alongside him, but it's not quite worked out that way," Buttler said. "So it just feels like the right time for me and the team to have a change."

Buttler’s leadership has come under scrutiny following a sharp decline in both his and England's performance since the 2023 World Cup. Under his captaincy, England has won just three of their last nine matches in the 50-over format. Buttler's personal form has also been underwhelming, with an average of 26.40 in his last 21 ODI innings.

As for his successor, Brook is widely tipped to take over the captaincy, though McCullum stated that no final decision had been made. He praised Buttler for his dedication and leadership, calling it "incredibly unselfish" for Buttler to step aside.

“People forget that he literally won a World Cup only a couple of years ago, and that can never be taken away from him,” McCullum said. "Jos is still a huge player for us moving forward."

Both Rob Key, managing director of England Men, and Richard Gould, the ECB's chief executive, paid tribute to Buttler’s leadership, with Key calling him "a true leader" and Gould describing him as "one of cricket's all-time great white-ball players."

"I can’t wait to see him back in the ranks and at his best," Key added.

Buttler’s resignation marks the end of a challenging chapter for both him and England cricket, but the door remains open for the talented wicketkeeper-batter to contribute in future years.