ECB awards Kate Cross new contract

Kate Cross from Heywood, one of the 18 players from the England Women's Performance Programme have been awarded new contracts

Kate Cross of Heywood is one of 18 players from the England Women’s Performance Programme that have been awarded new contracts by The England and Wales Cricket Board.

The announcement follows the ground-breaking decision by the ECB Board in February to significantly re-invest in the women’s game, with all 18 contracted players now set to benefit from the new and improved financial arrangements.

Speaking about the contracts, ECB Head of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “The pay increase for the contracted players is significant and signals the dawning of a fully professional era in every sense for England women’s cricket. I am grateful to the ECB Board for the ongoing support they provide towards the development of the women’s game in this country.”

Paul Downton, Managing Director England Cricket, added: “The England women’s team always prepare to excellent standards, and have been professional cricketers in all but name for a while now.

“International women’s cricket has developed at a fast pace over the last few years and is now a year-round operation. The new arrangements will allow the 18 contracted players to train as full-time professionals. This is a very natural next step forward for the women’s game in this country, and we hope that the move will lead to England maintaining their position as one of the most successful women’s teams in the world.”

This summer, England women will host India women in August for a one-off Test match and three Royal London One Day Internationals, before welcoming South Africa women for a three match NatWest Twenty20 International series at the start of September.