Freddie Flintoff ‘not being paid’ for England cricket role

Freddie Flintoff is not being paid for his current role with the England cricket team, according to reports. The 45-year-old was seen working with the Three Lions’ players during their one-day international against New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday, nine months after suffering serious injuries in a crash while filming for Top Gear. Flintoff is said to be ‘back for good’ with his future at the BBC in doubt.

Flintoff appeared in 79 Tests, 141 one-day internationals and seven T20s for England during his playing days and became a household name after starring for his country in their famous 2005 Ashes win against Australia.

He has taken on a whole host of TV work since his international career ended in 2009 and joined the Top Gear presenting team in 2019 alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. But last December, the three-wheeled open-top car he was driving during Top Gear filming at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey flipped.

The accident is said to have nearly killed Flintoff, with the former all-rounder spending five weeks in hospital and staying away from the limelight during his recovery. But on Friday, he was pictured with the England squad at Sophia Gardens with facial injuries.

According to the Daily Mail, Flintoff has been given a mentoring role with the Three Lions. But the ex-player is so keen and enthusiastic about this new chapter in his life, that he hasn’t sought or been given any money in exchange for his services. He is loving being back in the dressing room, with an EBC source insisting they will be taking things slowly.

Flintoff is yet to reveal whether he will return to Top Gear following the accident, with an insider telling The Times in March: “Freddie has been seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash. He is a daredevil, that’s what he does, and he doesn’t feel like he is able to continue to play that role on the show.”

The BBC, meanwhile, confirmed in March that the current series of Top Gear had been suspended for the time being after the corporation apologised to the former Lancashire star. “Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time,” the BBC said in a statement.

“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgment about how best to continue later this year. This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support. Finally there will be a health and safety review of the show, in line with our procedures.”