England Women's Cricket Team Announces Central Contracts Ahead of T20 World Cup

England Women's Cricket Contracts for 2025/26 Announced

London [UK], December 4: The England women's cricket team has revealed a total of 17 full Central Contracts and four Skills Contracts for the upcoming 2025/26 season, a crucial move as they prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in mid-2026 on home turf.

Among the contracts, ten players are receiving new one-year agreements, while seven others are continuing into the second year of their current contracts. Leading the pack is all-format captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who recently excelled at the 50-over World Cup held in India.

Em Arlott and Emma Lamb have been granted Skills Contracts for the first time, while Linsey Smith, who impressed with her bowling during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, has secured her first full Central Contract.

Notably, 34-year-old fast bowler Kate Cross has not been included in this year's list. Clare Connor, the Managing Director of England Women, emphasized that this announcement comes at a crucial juncture as the team gears up for next year's prestigious ICC event on home soil.

Connor expressed, “This is an incredibly exciting year for England Women. The issuance of these contracts showcases our trust in this group of players, as we aim for victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next summer. Linsey Smith, Emma Lamb, and Em Arlott have all made significant contributions over the past year, and these contracts serve as both recognition of their achievements and a chance to further hone their skills.”

She further noted, “Kate Cross has been a remarkable asset to England Women’s cricket, and while she misses out on a Central Contract this time, the selection door remains open for any domestic player. Consistent performance in scoring and wicket-taking will always enhance a player’s chances of being selected for England squads. We are all looking forward to what 2025/26 has in store. Watching India clinch the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil was a powerful reminder of the significance of major tournaments. The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is a tremendous opportunity, and our players are also eager to participate in a historic women’s Test match at Lord’s against India,” Connor added.

Existing Contracts include: Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

New One-Year Contracts awarded to: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith.

New Skills Contracts include: Em Arlott, Emma Lamb, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Issy Wong.