Essex Cricket Awarded Tier One Professional Women’s Team Status

Essex Cricket awarded Tier One status for professional women’s team

In a groundbreaking move for women’s cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially ratified Essex Cricket’s bid for a professional women’s team. This decision sees Essex join a select group of counties, including Durham, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, and Warwickshire, in being granted Tier One status.

The bid, which was centred on community engagement and empowering women and girls to become the future of the game, has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation. At the heart of the professional women’s team is a strategic partnership with the University of Essex and the Essex Rebels, a professional sports club known for their excellence in basketball and volleyball.

This collaborative effort symbolizes a shared commitment to celebrating the region and driving the transformation of women’s sports. Essex Cricket’s aim to revolutionize the landscape of women’s cricket under the mantra of ‘We Are Essex’ highlights their dedication to empowering female athletes and promoting inclusivity within the sport.

John Stephenson, CEO of Essex Cricket, expressed his gratitude to the ECB for embracing their submission, emphasizing the club’s long-standing commitment to promoting women and girls in sport. The support of key organizations and partnerships, including the University of Essex and regional cricket boards, has been instrumental in bringing the bid to fruition.

Players like Prisha Bedi, Essex Women’s 2023 Young Player of the Year, are thrilled by the opportunities that Tier One status will bring, while Dr Dave Parry, Director of Sport at the University of Essex, sees this as a significant moment for women’s sport in the region.

With a vision to establish Essex as the premier destination for women and girls’ sports, the county is poised to make a lasting impact on the growth of women’s cricket in the UK. The future looks bright for Essex Cricket as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their history.