Jos Buttler weighs captaincy future after England’s champions trophy exit

England captain Jos Buttler has admitted uncertainty over his future as skipper after Afghanistan knocked his team out of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. 

England’s campaign came to a premature end after suffering a heartbreaking 9-run defeat in a clash with Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.

Chasing 326, England fell short, getting bowled out for 317 in 49.5 overs, with Azmatullah Omarzai leading Afghanistan’s bowling attack with a sensational five-wicket haul. While Afghanistan kept their tournament hopes alive, England, the runners-up in 2004 and 2013, faced an early exit after back-to-back losses to Australia and Afghanistan.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Buttler admitted he needed time to reflect on his leadership role.

“It’s tough to say, standing here right now, and I don’t want to make any emotional statements,” Buttler said. “But I think it’s fair to say that you’ve got to consider all possibilities.”

He emphasized the difficulties of captaincy but dismissed suggestions that he wasn’t suited for the role.

“I’ve enjoyed it [the captaincy]. I’ve seen lots of people say it doesn’t sit well with me, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge,” he remarked.

However, Buttler acknowledged England’s struggles in recent tournaments and admitted he must evaluate whether he is part of the solution or the problem.

“I don’t enjoy losing games of cricket. When results don’t go your way, you do look at yourself in the mirror and ask, ‘Am I part of the problem or am I part of the solution?’ That’s something I need to figure out.”

Buttler further stated that his captaincy future was not solely in his hands and that he would discuss it with team management before making a final decision.

“You [the press] are probably not the first people I’d discuss that with,” he said. “I’ll take a little bit of time to work out, personally, what I think is right. The guys at the top are in charge, and they’ll have their own views as well.”

Buttler, who led England to their 2022 T20 World Cup triumph in his first tournament as captain, has faced significant challenges since then.

The team endured a dismal 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, losing six of nine matches. 

England then suffered a crushing defeat to India in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

Now, an early Champions Trophy exit has added to the team’s woes, raising serious questions about their leadership and future direction.

With one group match remaining, England’s focus will likely shift toward a much-needed rebuilding phase, while Buttler’s captaincy remains under scrutiny.