Kate Cross has recommitted her future to Lancashire Women by signing a one-year professional contract for the forthcoming 2026 season, the club has confirmed. The veteran fast-bowler’s return to the Lancashire fold represents a significant boost for the Red Rose ahead of another competitive domestic campaign.
The contract comes on the heels of Cross’s departure from the England and Wales Cricket Board’s central contract list, a decision that left the 34-year-old contemplating retirement from the game during the winter months. Despite those uncertainties, she has chosen to extend her domestic career with the club where her journey began over two decades ago.
“I’m very pleased to be here for another year,” Cross said in an interview with LancsTV. “One of the main reasons I’ve had the career I have is because of Lancashire, so it feels special to come full circle and sign my first professional domestic contract with the club.”
Cross’s bond with Lancashire runs deep. She made her senior county debut in 2005 at just 13 years old and has since become one of the most influential players in the county’s women’s setup. Across domestic competitions, she has taken over 350 wickets, playing a pivotal role in many of the team’s most memorable moments.
Her performances in 2025 were particularly outstanding. Cross featured in 24 matches as Lancashire captured both the T20 County Cup and the One-Day Cup, a historic double that marked one of the Red Rose’s most successful seasons in recent memory. These triumphs were among her career highlights and clearly helped inspire her decision to continue playing.
“Winning two trophies with Lancashire in 2025 gave me some of my favourite moments on a cricket field, so now the challenge is to better that.” she said.
Cross’s international résumé is equally impressive. Over an England career spanning more than ten years, she earned over 100 caps across formats and took more than 130 international wickets, including over 100 in One-Day Internationals. She also captained her country at senior level, showcasing her leadership and tactical acumen. Her departure from the national setup saw England move forward without the seasoned seamer; she last featured internationally in July and was not included in the squad for the World Cup in India, nor retained on the central contract list for 2025–26.
Lancashire’s Director of Women’s Cricket, David Thorley, hailed Cross as a “proven performer” whose influence extends far beyond the boundary rope. “We’re delighted she has committed to another season at Emirates Old Trafford as we push for more silverware this summer.” Thorley said. “She leads by example, drives high standards in training and has a real influence on the group.”
Cross adds not just experience but real culture to the Red Rose camp, helping to mentor younger players and contribute to the team’s collective ambitions. As Lancashire look to build on their double success, her presence both on and off the field will be invaluable. With the new season looming, Lancashire Women will hope that Cross’s experience and drive will propel them toward further silverware and perhaps even surpass the achievements of last year’s memorable campaign.
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