Charlotte Edwards, a name synonymous with women’s cricket, has once again taken center stage with the launch of the Charlotte Edwards Foundation (CEF). Announcing the initiative on social media platform “X”, the former England skipper emphasized her mission to bridge the gap in resources and opportunities for women and girls in cricket worldwide.
Edwards, who retired from international cricket in 2016 and subsequently from all forms of cricket in 2017, has always been a trailblazer in the sport. The Charlotte Edwards Foundation aims to provide mentorship, resources, events, and grants to young and aspiring female cricketers.
“I’m excited to announce the launch of CEF Foundation. Women and girls’ cricket is still underserved in many areas of the world,” Edwards wrote in her announcement post on ‘X’. “The Foundation is all about giving back to the women’s game and providing mentorship and resources, events and grants. Together let’s make a difference.”
Making her debut at just 16, Edwards was the youngest woman to represent England at the time. Her illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, saw her lead the England team for a decade. Under her captaincy, England clinched the 2009 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the inaugural 2009 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
With 23 Test appearances, Edwards ranks as the second-most capped Test player in women’s cricket history. Her 1,676 Test runs, including a career-best 117, place her second on the all-time run-scorers list. In ODIs, her 191 matches make her the third-most capped player in the format, and her 5,992 runs are the second-highest in history. Her T20I career is equally impressive, with 2,605 runs in 95 matches, including a top score of 92*.
Not just a prolific batter, Edwards showcased her versatility with 75 international wickets (12 in Tests, 54 in ODIs and 9 in T20Is) across all formats. Her contributions on the field earned her recognition as one of the greatest cricketers in history.
Post-retirement, Edwards transitioned seamlessly into coaching and administration. In 2018, she became the Director of Women’s Cricket at Hampshire and was appointed head coach of the Southern Vipers in 2020. Under her leadership, the Vipers secured two Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy titles. She also coaches the Southern Brave in The Hundred, the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League, and the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League.
In recognition of her monumental contribution to cricket, the Charlotte Edwards Cup, a domestic T20 competition in England, was named in her honor in 2021. Fittingly, her Southern Vipers team lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022.
Beyond her on-field and coaching accolades, Edwards has been a significant figure in shaping the future of the game. She serves on committees at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), further cementing her status as a global ambassador for women’s cricket. Her services to the sport were recognized with an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
With the launch of the Charlotte Edwards Foundation, Edwards is determined to amplify her legacy by empowering the next generation of cricketers. Her commitment to nurturing talent and addressing disparities in women’s cricket underscores her enduring passion for the game.
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