Durham Cricket are thrilled to announce that James Minto signed a new contact extending his stay in Chester le Street until at least the end of the 2028 season.
The 18-year-old has penned a two-year contract – signing his first professional deal progressing from a rookie contract.
A product of the Durham Cricket pathway, Minto joined the Academy in 2024, having first represented the Club at Under-14 level, progressing through the Cleveland programme.
The bowling all-rounder made his Durham first-class debut against Surrey at The Oval and has played seven red ball games for Durham, picking up a bowling best of five for 21 against Zimbabwe A in Harare.
The left-arm quick made his professional debut at New Road against Worcestershire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup in 2024 and has claimed 16 wickets across red and white ball formats for the County.
The Stockton-born cricketer made history when he became Durham’s youngest first-class half-centurion scoring 67 against Nottinghamshire in the 2025 County Championship.
Having been a part of the England Under 19s side that finished runners-up in the 2025/26 World Cup in Zimbabwe, Minto has continued to regularly feature for the Young Lions in both red and white ball formats.
Ryan Campbell, Director of Cricket and High-Performance Coaching said: “We are delighted that James has signed a new contract with us and committed his future to Durham Cricket.
“Minty is a player with a huge amount of potential and it is extremely pleasing to see him rewarded for the excellent performances he has put in for Durham over the last couple of seasons.
“He has performed well when given the opportunity for Durham and England Young Lions in recent times and we look forward to seeing him evolve with both bat and ball in the coming years.
“The signing of Minto means we can continue to future proof our bowling attack along with the likes of Matthew Potts, Luke Robinson along with a couple of extensions we are due to announce shortly.”
On signing professional terms Minto said: “I am over the moon to have signed a new two-year deal with Durham and sign my first professional deal with my home county.
“I have loved my time with the club and to sign a professional deal is what every young cricketer works towards.
“To have the opportunity to represent Durham is something I am privileged to do, and I can’t wait to contribute on the field over the coming years.”