The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the list of players who have received the Central Contracts for the 2023-24 season. Eighteen contracts have been awarded which will run until 31 October 2024.
The contract features significant structural improvements to meet the needs and demands of the players. Collaborating with the England Women’s Player Partnership and the PCA, the ECB has introduced remuneration advancements that include enhanced family provision entitlement, a bonus structure that rewards success against higher-ranked opposition, increases to the value of retainers and the equalization of match fees with England men.
There are notable changes in this year’s contract announcement. Maia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson have received their first Central Contract. Bouchier made her ODI debut in the Sri Lanka series and scored 112 runs in 3 matches. Gibson, on the other hand, impressed with her all-round performance in the series. Katherine Sciver Brunt and Freya Davies have been excluded from the list. While Brunt has retired from the game, Davies has been dropped due to a long spell of poor performance.
England Women's Central Contracts Unveiled!
18 players secure full one-year deals, with an additional three earning development contracts for 2023/24.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/cOUqE5YgSW
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 4, 2023
Bowlers Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer and wicketkeeper batter Bess Heath have been awarded Development Contracts after their breakout performances in the senior side. Gaur made an impressive debut in the series against Sri Lanka taking 5 wickets. Filer was a part of the Ashes test and delivered an exceptional performance taking 4 wickets including that of Ellyse Perry in both the innings. These contracts have been awarded as the management believes that the three players will have a key role in the months to come. Gaur, Filer, and Heath will receive extra support from the ECB in the next year.
England Women centrally contracted list:
Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt
England Women development contract list:
Bess Heath, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur
Regarding the Central Contract announcement, Jonathan Finch, director of England Women’s Cricket said, “The Central Contracts are awarded to the players we feel will play a significant role over the next 12 months and beyond. We are at the start of an unprecedented busy period of international cricket and the group reflects the requirements of the multi-format schedule we face.” Regarding the inclusion of Bouchier and Gibson he said, “Maia Bouchier and Danielle Gibson have been part of our group over the summer, have performed well, and will be important players for England moving forward.”
He also emphasized the importance of the Development Contracts saying, “The introduction of development contracts is a key step for us and allows us to support a wider group of players in their ongoing development and we will work closely with the regions to manage the players’ development and workloads.”
He believes in the group of players who have been awarded the contracts and is sure that they will attain success in bilateral series and in bringing the T20 World Cup home.
(Quotes sourced from ECB Media Release)
Vaishnavi is a passionate author with an unwavering love for cricket, particularly women’s cricket. Her writing reflects her deep admiration for the sport and her dedication to promoting women’s participation in it. When she’s not following the latest cricket matches, Vaishnavi can be found engrossed in books or enjoying movies.
