The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled the updated central contract list for England Women, marking another milestone in the progression of women’s cricket.
This year, 17 players have been awarded full central contracts, including seven players signing two-year deals and 10 players securing one-year agreements. In addition, three players have been offered skills and development contracts as part of the ECB’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
A significant highlight of the announcement is the promotion of Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer to full central contracts. Both players have made this transition after being on development contracts last year, reflecting their consistent performance and potential to contribute to England’s success at the international level.
The ECB has also extended its support to three players through development contracts. Among them is Ryana MacDonald-Gay, who has impressed selectors with her stellar performances. She made her ODI and T20I debuts against Ireland earlier this year and made her Test debut during England’s ongoing tour of South Africa.
Highlighting the significance of these changes, Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women’s Cricket, remarked, “As ever, we have awarded central contracts to the players we feel will play a significant role for England in the foreseeable future.
“We are delighted that Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer have transitioned on to full contracts, having been part of our group over the past year.
“Ryana MacDonald-Gay has had an outstanding year, and the development contract affords her the opportunity to continue to push her claim for selection. We look forward to working with all three players on development contracts and their Counties to ensure they continue their development.”
The ECB has reinforced its commitment to long-term development by awarding two-year central contracts to some of the team’s most influential players. These include Heather Knight, the charismatic captain; Nat Sciver-Brunt, a versatile and dynamic all-rounder; and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, an aggressive top-order batter. Joining them are Sophie Ecclestone, widely regarded as the best spinner in the world; Lauren Bell, a skilled swing bowler; Charlie Dean, a promising all-rounder; and Amy Jones, a reliable wicketkeeper-batter.
Complementing the two-year contracts are 10 one-year central contracts, underscoring the depth of talent in the England setup. The lineup includes seasoned opener Tammy Beaumont, rising star Maia Bouchier, and the exciting all-rounder Alice Capsey. Joining them are experienced campaigners Kate Cross and Sophia Dunkley, alongside emerging players like Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, and Freya Kemp.
The ECB has also taken steps to nurture the next wave of talent by awarding skills and development contracts to keeper-batter Bess Heath, pace bowling all-rounders Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Issy Wong. These players are seen as pivotal to England’s future and will receive enhanced support over the next 12 months to refine their skills and break into the senior team.
ECB updated list of central contracts for the England Women:
Two-Year Central Contracts: Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
One-Year Central Contracts: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp
Development Contracts: Bess Heath, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Issy Wong
Reflecting on the importance of these contracts, Clare Connor added, “This is another landmark year in terms of increased remuneration for England Women. We have been able to make another significant increase in the value of central contracts on the back of last year’s equalisation of men’s and women’s international match fees across all formats.”
Emma Reid, England Women’s Player Partnership Management Board Member, also praised the strides made in women’s cricket, noting the collaboration between players and administrators:
“EWPP and the PCA are really encouraged at the progression of standards within the Women’s Central Contracts, achieved through strong collaboration between the ECB and player representatives.
“It is positive to see multi-year agreements, showing long-term commitment from the ECB and also the players who continue to prioritise representing their country.
“We are pleased to have worked with the ECB and the players to achieve the priorities of being well supported in their England careers.”
This announcement underscores the ECB’s continued efforts to professionalize and invest in women’s cricket. With increased remuneration, multi-year contracts, and a focus on player development, the future looks promising for England Women as they aim to strengthen their dominance on the global stage.
(Quotes sourced from the ECB media release)
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