Woakes signs new two-year deal through to 2027

Chris Woakes might have recently bid farewell to cricket's international stage after making an enormous contribution in a trophy-laden era for England, but Warwickshire will be the beneficiaries of his influence in 2026 when they'll be able to welcome their celebrated fast bowler into their ranks for the entire season.

Woakes, 36, has signed a new two-year deal to play across all three formats in both red and white ball. One of Edgbaston’s most famous sons will provide a helping hand in the coming years as they pursue more silverware in First-class and limited overs cricket – and in doing so, he’ll bring up a remarkable milestone.

The two-year contract will carry Woakes beyond 20 years of playing cricket for Warwickshire, a monumental achievement for any one cricketer to be able to reflect on and one which only a select few can say they’ve managed, but Woakes’ name will fit seamlessly into that pantheon.

Woakes said: “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. Extending my commitment to Warwickshire for another two years feels like the start of a new chapter with a club that properly feels like home.

“Looking ahead, 2026 already promises to be a fantastic year for domestic cricket, especially with the introduction of the new DPP [Domestic Playing Programme]. 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.”

All-rounder Woakes, who is widely admired and respected at both professional and personal levels, recently confirmed that he would be retiring from international cricket, having admirably represented England 217 times across three formats and helped his country to win two World Cups – the ODI success in 2019 followed by the T20I triumph in 2022.

Stuart Cain, CEO at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Chris is a consummate professional and the epitome of a Bear. After a distinguished England career, we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for Chris and Warwickshire in this next stage of his career as we push on for red and white-ball titles”

The boyhood Bear has also accumulated plenty of experience around the globe during his decorated playing career to date, having had spells previously in the IPL, the International League T20, Australia’s Big Bash League, and New Zealand’s Super Smash. But much closer to home, Woakes has consistently produced down the years and helped to clinch titles with Warwickshire.

In the 2008 season, he picked up 42 First-class wickets at an average of just over 20, form which announced himself in the First XI environment and led to a call-up to the England Lions. A year later, he sealed his maiden First-class century with an unbeaten 131 against Hampshire. Only last year, Woakes brought up a century of red-ball matches for Warwickshire – a number he can now officially look forward to adding substantially to.

In 2014, at 25 years old, he was thrown the ball at the death in the T20 Blast final. Facing up to Andrew Flintoff, who required 15 runs from the final over to lead opponents Lancashire to victory, Woakes – who claimed four wickets across Finals Day on his home ground – showed nerves of steel to guide the Bears to the title, winning by four runs. 

By the time the 2016 One Day Cup final came around, Woakes had broken into the England fold but was still called upon by the Bears to face Surrey at Lord’s. His figures of 2/24 from nine overs helped the Bears to restrict their opponents to only 136, a target chased down with minimal fuss. Woakes had helped the Bears to clinch two pieces of silverware in the space of three seasons.

In 2021, as crowds came out of their long-awaited Covid lockdown hibernation, Woakes played a leading role as Warwickshire dramatically lifted their eighth County Championship at Edgbaston, bowling Somerset out on the final day of the regular season to clinch the title. Woakes claimed six wickets in the match, including 3/39 from 16 overs – and eight maidens – in a thrilling spell of bowling which saw international teammates Craig Overton and Jack Leach fall.

James Thomas, Performance Director at Warwickshire CCC, said: “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.

“He’s someone all our aspiring young players can look up to, as an example of how to perform to the very top level over such a long period of time.

“Chris’ experience with both bat and ball will be invaluable as we look to improve and develop our squad, which is now capable of challenging for major honours.”

His vast experience and quality will complement an exciting squad being brought together and developed at Edgbaston. Attention will now turn to the 2026 summer and chasing success under Woakes’ former teammate and head coach Ian Westwood, who oversaw an improved County Championship finish in his maiden campaign in charge in 2025.

Having made his First-class debut for Warwickshire in 2006, Woakes averages over 30 with the bat in First-class cricket and has taken 628 wickets over the course of his career, but his business with the Bears is far from done, and supporters can look forward to that famous metronomic bowling action being performed at Edgbaston for the coming seasons.