England captain Heather Knight on counties missing out on new women’s team: “Progress for the female game”
In a groundbreaking move for women’s cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the transition to a fully professionalized top-flight league by 2025, aligning with first-class counties. While this development marks a significant step forward for the sport, not all counties have made the initial cut.
England captain Heather Knight has emphasized that the disappointment felt by counties who were not selected for the new ‘tier one’ women’s teams is a sign of progress for the female game. Knight, who has witnessed the evolution of women’s cricket throughout her career, highlighted the increased interest and investment in the sport.
The decision to elevate certain counties to tier one status was met with mixed reactions. Yorkshire, a proud cricketing county with a history marred by controversy and financial struggles, expressed disappointment at not being selected initially. However, the ECB clarified that the selection process was focused solely on advancing women’s cricket and not punishing past transgressions.
Despite the setbacks faced by some counties, the overall sentiment is one of optimism and excitement for the future of women’s cricket. The expansion to 12 teams by 2027, including Yorkshire and Glamorgan, indicates a growing interest and commitment to the women’s game.
While some counties like Kent and Leicestershire expressed disappointment at being left out of the initial phase, they remain dedicated to supporting women’s and girls’ cricket in their regions. The competitive bidding process for hosting professional women’s cricket teams reflects the increasing value placed on the development of the sport.
As women’s cricket continues to gain momentum and recognition, the shift towards a fully professionalized top-flight league signifies a new era for the sport. With players and counties alike eager to be part of this historic transformation, the future looks bright for women’s cricket in England.