The game's First Class Forum met at Lord's on Monday and voted 18-1 to the increase in contracts from the current 12 players.

Central contracts, introduced in 2000, have been seen as a significant part in England's recent improved results.

They have allowed coach Duncan Fletcher to oversee his players' training and protecting them from playing too much.

A maximum of 16 players will receive 12-month deals, which will run from 1 October.

The remaining players, likely to be academy cricketers, will get six-month summer contracts.

Those awarded 12-month central contracts can expect to earn about �250,000-a-year.

There were rumours counties would have to reimburse the ECB, to the tune of �2,700 for a county match and �1,350 for a one-day game, each time they used a centrally contracted player.

But it was agreed the ECB would not clawback income from the counties because they had been the ones who had nurtured the players.

Tim Lamb, chief executive of the ECB, said: "I am delighted that the FCF has supported, so whole-heartedly, the further enhancement of the England central contracts system.

"There has been a very discernible improvement in the performances of the England team over the past couple of years, and this decision is all about giving the England management further control and resources to produce a world-class team."

Those in line for a lucrative central contract include Kent's Robert Key, who made his England debut at Trent Bridge, and pace bowler Simon Jones.