ECB to fund sixth professional contract for regions

Each women’s regional team will have an additional professional contract this season with the ECB funding a sixth contract per team for 2021/22.

Western Storm’s professionals for 2022 will therefore be Sophie Luff, Dani Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Georgia Hennessey, Fi Morris and Nat Wraith.

With Northern Diamonds and Thunder each set to fund additional contracts, it will take the number of professional players in the women’s regional structure from 41 to 51. Including the England Women Centrally Contracted players, there are 67 professional women’s cricketers in England and Wales.

Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, said: “It’s absolutely fundamental to the future of women’s and girls’ cricket in England and Wales that we’re able to continue increasing the depth of our regional game by offering more professional contracts to our players.

“We cannot overstate the impact that a new professional structure is having on our game. We’ve already seen the positive impact it has had on players’ performances in a relatively short space of time. The players are thriving, raising standards across the game and deepening the potential talent pool for England Women.

“Just as important is the visibility of these players, showing young girls that cricket is a game that can offer them a professional future.

“Professionalising the women’s game is a significant chapter for our sport and I’m thrilled that we’re able to continue that momentum by increasing the number of professional contracts on offer.”

* Sterre Kalis and Rachel Slater funded by Northern Diamonds Regional Host, Yorkshire CCC

** Phoebe Graham funded by Thunder Regional Host, Lancashire CCC