England cricket chiefs Brendon McCullum and Rob Key are set to retain their positions at the ECB despite a disastrous winter campaign. The pair have faced mounting pressure following England's Ashes humiliation in Australia, a T20 World Cup semi-final exit to India, and a troubled tour of New Zealand where captain Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer.

The ECB had considered sweeping changes after the Ashes but sources indicate that sentiment remains unchanged. Chief executive Richard Gould announced a review of the Ashes tour, leading to minor adjustments including the departure of Luke Wright as men's national selector. England's preparation in Australia drew criticism, with just one warm-up match before the first Test and alcohol-related incidents involving players like Ben Duckett.

Test captain Ben Stokes and Brook have publicly backed McCullum, who is contracted until 2027. The New Zealand-born coach has already begun planning for the home summer and may return to discuss his future before confirmation. The ECB is also planning to appoint a new non-executive board member to boost cricketing expertise and improve future Ashes preparations through talks with Cricket Australia.