Restructuring Women’s Cricket: Kate Cross Emphasizes the Importance of Minimum Standards and Aspirational Thinking
England and North West Thunder bowler Kate Cross has spoken out about the lack of equal access to facilities and support staff for women’s cricketers, calling it a “real concern.” With plans to restructure the professional game on the horizon, Cross believes that this is an opportunity to “level the playing field” and secure the future of women’s cricket at all levels.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to announce the eight tier-one counties later this month, which will see current regional sides replaced with teams embedded within the first-class county system. Sixteen counties have submitted proposals to own a professional tier-one team, marking a significant shift in the women’s game.
Research conducted by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) found that players prioritize equal minimum salaries, access to facilities, and average pay. Negotiations between the PCA and ECB have resulted in some measures being agreed upon, including minimum squad sizes and equal minimum wages with the men’s game.
Cross emphasized the importance of creating and regulating minimum standards alongside aspirational thinking to ensure the future success of women’s cricket. She highlighted the disparities in access to facilities and support staff across the women’s game, stressing the need to address these issues as the sport moves into a new era.
Lancashire men’s captain Keaton Jennings echoed Cross’s sentiments, stating that standards need to be improved to give female cricketers the best possible chance for success. He emphasized the importance of creating equity in team sports and supporting the growth of the women’s game to progress the development of cricket as a whole.
As the sport looks towards the future, the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the upcoming restructure of the professional game signal a new era for women’s cricket, with a focus on equality and opportunity for all players.