The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will closely monitor counties hosting professional women’s cricket teams to ensure their multimillion-pound investment fosters gender equality. Beth Barrett-Wild, ECB’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game, emphasised that counties failing to meet these standards risk having their funding withdrawn.
A £1.5 million annual investment across 10 first-class counties will be scrutinised under the new County Partnership Agreement (CPA), effective February 1. The CPA mandates equal treatment for women’s and men’s teams in facilities, marketing, and operations. Barrett-Wild affirmed, “The funding is ringfenced for women’s programs, and we will track every pound spent. Non-compliance could lead to suspension or withdrawal of funds.”
Key Initiatives and Oversight
- Tier One Teams: Eight counties, including Surrey, Lancashire, and Nottinghamshire, will host professional tier-one women’s teams in 2024, with Yorkshire and Glamorgan joining in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
- Player & Staff Survey: A national survey will enable whistleblowing and provide insights into team environments.
- Auditing: The ECB will evaluate all aspects of county activities to ensure equal treatment.
Enhanced Player Pathways
A new player movement framework allows players to transition between professional, semi-professional, and recreational levels through a loan system, ensuring talent mobility and development.
Strengthening Domestic Competition
England players will be available for key domestic events like the Women’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup in May and the inaugural Women’s Vitality Blast Finals Day on July 27, ensuring stronger domestic competition.
Future Aspirations
While acknowledging England’s early exit from the T20 World Cup as disappointing, Barrett-Wild expressed optimism that structural changes will deepen the talent pool by 2028.
“There will be growing pains in this initial phase, but we’re building toward sustained progress,” she said.
The ECB’s focus on transparency and accountability aims to ensure lasting progress in women’s cricket, paving the way for greater inclusivity and professionalism in the sport.