Yorkshire Snubbed in ECB’s Tier 1 Revamp of Women’s Professional Cricket Game

Yorkshire Women’s Cricket Team Faces Setback in ECB’s Tier 1 Revamp

In a surprising turn of events, Yorkshire will have to wait until 2027 to participate in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new ‘Tier 1’ revamp of the women’s professional game. The ECB has selected eight other counties to lead the way, leaving Yorkshire out of the initial lineup.

The chosen counties include Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, and Warwickshire. The existing regional structure will be abolished in favor of alignment with the first-class counties, a move that has left Yorkshire disappointed.

The news comes as a blow to Yorkshire, which has faced several turbulent years both on and off the field. Despite the setback, Yorkshire has been promised a place in an expanded competition in the third season, along with additional funding to help build their pathway.

The decision has been particularly tough for the players and staff at the Northern Diamonds, who have been preparing for their first game of the season amidst the news. Yorkshire, known for its rich history in women’s cricket, has the largest active playing base of women and girls in the country and has produced many players who have gone on to represent England.

The White Rose has been embattled by the Azeem Rafiq racism crisis and financial troubles in recent years, but there has been a renewed commitment to equality of opportunity at the club. Yorkshire’s statement expressed surprise and disappointment at not being awarded Tier 1 status, highlighting their efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive cricket club.

While Yorkshire will have to wait for their chance in Tier 1, the ECB has plans to expand the competition to 12 teams by 2029. The restructure aims to fully professionalize women’s cricket and provide more opportunities for female players to pursue a career in the sport. Despite the setback, Yorkshire remains committed to supporting their players and staff through this challenging period.