Andrew Flintoff signed a contract extension late last year to remain coach of England Lions.
The former England all rounder was appointed in September 2024 on an initial one year deal. BBC Sport understands Flintoff now holds a contract through to January 2027. The new terms were not announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board at the time they were agreed.
The 48 year old is viewed as a possible candidate to lead the senior team if Brendon McCullum leaves his role. Flintoff has said previously he does not want the position.
He led the Lions on their tour to Australia in November and December when they shadowed the senior squad during the 4-1 Ashes defeat. The Lions provided opposition for England’s only Ashes warm up match and later lost by an innings in an unofficial Test against Australia A.
Flintoff will oversee the Lions in a white ball series against Pakistan Shaheens from next Friday. England Test captain Ben Stokes and former all rounder Moeen Ali will be part of the coaching staff in the UAE.
Flintoff returned to cricket in 2023 following a crash on the set of Top Gear, the BBC television programme he presented, which left him with facial injuries. He has spent time with England’s white ball side and led Northern Superchargers for two seasons in The Hundred.
He confirmed in October he had left the Superchargers, now known as Sunrisers Leeds, saying he was “worth more” than what the franchise’s new owners, Sun Group, had offered him.
Flintoff is a close friend of England director of cricket Rob Key and has a long association with ECB chair Richard Thompson through the Saatchi talent management agency.
In January last year, Flintoff’s son Rocky, then aged 16, became the youngest player to score a century for the Lions when he reached three figures against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane. Rocky is an all rounder and is currently out of contract with Lancashire. He is expected to sign a new deal at Old Trafford and turns 18 in April.
Corey Flintoff, a 19 year old seamer, signed a two year deal with Kent at the beginning of last season.
