Champions Trophy: Buttler steps down as England white-ball captain

Buttler will lead the team for the final time in their last group match against South Africa in Karachi on Saturday.

England were beaten by Australia, who mounted a record-run chase to win their Champions Trophy opener, and Afghanistan to seal their exit with a game to spare, making it six straight ODI defeats under Buttler's leadership.

Overall, England have lost 15 of their last 21 ODIs, including all three matches in the format in their series against India prior to the tournament.

"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.

"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 [will] also be able to reflect on what an immense honour it is to captain your country and all the special things that come with it."

Jos Buttler has announced he will step down as England Men's white ball captain.More details

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 28, 2025

Buttler was appointed as Eoin Morgan's successor in June 2022 and led England to T20 World Cup success later that year.

However, England have struggled at major tournaments since then. Having failed to defend their 50-over World Cup title the following year, they were then halted in their T20 World Cup defence in the semi-final in 2024 before failing to make it out of the group at the Champions Trophy.

Buttler has captained England in 44 ODIs overall, with a record of 18 wins, 25 defeats and one no result. In T20s, he has a better record of 26 wins, 22 defeats and three no results in 51 matches.

"It's quite clear [what prompted this decision]," Buttler added.

"This tournament was going to be important results-wise for my captaincy, and obviously two losses and being out of the tournament with a bit of a hangover from some tournaments before, it probably reached the end of the road for me and my captaincy.

"It's a shame. I am sad about that. With Brendon only coming in recently, I was excited about working closely with him and hoped for a quick turnaround to take the team forward, but it's not worked out that way.