Phoebe Graham has announced her retirement from professional cricket, a name that has become synonymous with resilience, commitment, and quiet leadership in English domestic cricket.
Born on October 23, 1991, in West Yorkshire, Graham’s journey to the top is a testament to her endurance and adaptability. She played for several counties, including Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Devon, Berkshire, and Northern Diamonds, before joining Lancashire Women ahead of the 2022 season.
This was a significant milestone in her career as she became one of the club’s first full-time contracted women cricketers, marking a turning point in the professionalization of the women’s game.
Graham consistently showcased her tenacity and unwavering work ethic in every match, whether in List A or T20 formats. With a total of 116 wickets from 155 appearances, her contributions extended beyond statistics.
She became a crucial pillar in a transforming squad, helping Lancashire navigate a dynamic period in women’s cricket that has seen increased competition and visibility.
The timing of her retirement is poignant. In 2025, during her final season with Lancashire, she played a vital role in the team clinching a domestic double, winning both 50 over and T20 championships.
Reflecting on her career, she felt that after five years as a professional cricketer, the time was right to step away from active play.
With the team celebrating this success, she believed it was the ideal moment to close this chapter of her life.
“It’s been really special to be part of this journey with Red Rose and to witness women’s cricket achieving extraordinary things. I’m excited about the next chapter of my career and exploring how I can make an impact off the pitch,” she shared with the club media.
Graham is not leaving cricket behind entirely. Lancashire has confirmed that she will take on a role leading the club’s new “Early Engagement Programme,” which aims to nurture the pathways for younger girls into cricket.
Additionally, she plans to focus on her own venture, TipnFlip, a gender-equality agency dedicated to driving women’s sport forward. This commitment reflects her character: while winning on the field was important, her desire to create lasting impact off the field is even more significant.
Her move also highlights a broader shift in women’s cricket, providing more pathways, support, and opportunities for players to shape the game beyond their playing days.
In Graham, young girls now have a role model who not only chased wickets but also envisioned a future where women’s sport is respected, equitable, and filled with genuine opportunities.
As she embarks on this new chapter, it’s clear that her influence will extend far beyond the matches she played. She will continue to shape young careers, nurture dreams, and contribute to the gradual transformation of women’s sport, one initiative at a time.
Loves all things female cricket