![Brendon McCullum's contract might not be renewed [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768922631938_EnglandtosackMcCullum.jpg?type=hq)
Brendon McCullum's contract might not be renewed [Source: AFP]
It has been understood that former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum might be relieved of his coaching duties following England's disastrous performance in The Ashes. According to a report by The Telegraph, the ECB is unlikely to extend McCullum's coaching tenure beyond the T20 World Cup 2026. However, as the report claims, Ben Stokes and former cricketer Rob Key are expected to be retained as the Test captain and the managing director, respectively, despite the team's underwhelming returns in the Ashes Down Under.
ECB to axe McCullum after T20 World Cup 2026
Known for his ultra-aggressive style of coaching, Brendon McCullum revamped England's Test team with the much-talked-about Bazball approach. The former New Zealand captain's vision paid rich dividends for England, as he formed an astute leadership group with Ben Stokes. Although England still failed to qualify for the WTC final, McCullum and Stokes laid the foundation of their impressive home record, also leading them to a historic Test series triumph in Pakistan.
However, England failed miserably in the Ashes 2025-26, with Australia retaining the urn by winning the series 4-1. Despite having a formidable squad at their disposal, England clearly couldn't make the most of it, embarrassing themselves for the umpteenth time in a Test series Down Under.
Apart from their on-field performance, the off-field incidents, such as an infamous mid-tour trip to Noosa, pointed out the lack of seriousness in the English camp. As reported by The Telegraph, the ECB firmly believes it must take a bold step regarding the leadership group in order to restore the team culture and enhance England's performance across formats.
The English cricket board apparently holds McCullum responsible for the mess, given that the head coach doesn't want outside interference in the decision-making process.
The way McCullum wants the English players to relax and enjoy their time despite poor results hasn't been perceived well by the ECB bosses, especially Richard Gould and Richard Thompson, who are conducting a probe into the team's disastrous Ashes campaign. This is one of the significant reasons why the ECB doesn't want to extend McCullum's contract as England's head coach after the T20 World Cup 2026.
Ben Stokes, Rob Key to retain their positions
While Brendon McCullum is all but certain to be thrown under the bus, captain Ben Stokes and the managing director, Rob Key, are likely to escape the ECB's wrath. It's worth noting that Rob Key lamented England's poor Ashes run during the tour, taking responsibility for the lack of preparation heading to the Oceania nations.
On a similar note, despite failing with the bat in the Ashes, Ben Stokes will likely be given a few more opportunities as the Test captain, with England yet to finalise his suitable successor.
England's upcoming cricket schedule
Led by Harry Brook, England are slated to face Sri Lanka in three ODIs and T20Is. A midnight curfew has already been imposed on the players, with the ECB seeking immediate coaching and cultural reforms to help the Three Lions rediscover the winning formula.
Talking about England's T20 World Cup 2026 schedule, they are placed in group C and will take on Nepal, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Italy across two Indian cities- Mumbai and Kolkata- between February 8 and 16.
