Rosa Simkin (@rosatalksball) – 03/12/25
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed 17 full England Women’s Central Contracts and four Skills Contracts for the 2025/26 cycle, marking the beginning of a defining year for the national side as they build towards a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next summer.
The announcement brings a blend of continuity, reward, and strategic forward-planning. Seven players enter the second year of their existing deals, while 10 more receive new one-year Central Contracts.
For the first time, Linsey Smith receives a full Central Contract, a deserved recognition after her impactful return to international cricket. Meanwhile, Em Arlott and Emma Lamb have been handed their first Skills Contracts, joining Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Issy Wong in a cohort being supported to take their next step in their international readiness.
Who Misses Out?:
There are only two absentees from last year’s contract list. Durham wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, previously on a development deal and with limited involvement in the England setup over the past 12 months, moves off the list. But the most notable omission is veteran seamer Kate Cross, who loses her contract after earning more than 100 international caps. Speaking about her exclusion, Managing Director of England Women Clare Connor said:
“Kate Cross misses out on a Central Contract after years of extraordinary service to England Women’s cricket. The door to selection is never closed on any domestic cricketer. Consistency in scoring runs and taking wickets in county cricket will always put players in a strong position to be picked in England squads.”
What is a Skills Contract?:
According to the ECB, skills contracts are for players who it is felt could feature for England Women across the next 12 months, and a Skills Contract allows England the opportunity to manage their workloads and development, in collaboration with their County. It is, in essence, a step between a domestic contract and a full Central Contract.
Could England Have Been More Bold?
There’s also a lingering question over whether the ECB could have been more ambitious. With Project Darwin expanding the talent pool to unprecedented depth and Charlotte Edwards entering her first real window to shape the side in her image, this contract cycle feels steady rather than bold. The groundwork is there, but some may wonder if this was the moment to take bigger risks, elevate more emerging players, or signal a sharper shift toward the future England want to build.
The Contracts:
Entering Year 2 of Current Contracts:
Lauren Bell (Hampshire)
Charlie Dean (Somerset)
Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)
Heather Knight (Somerset)
Amy Jones (The Blaze)
Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze)
Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey)
New 1 Year Deals:
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
Maia Bouchier (Hampshire)
Alice Capsey (Surrey)
Sophia Dunkley (Surrey)
Lauren Filer (Durham)
Mahika Gaur (Lancashire)
Danielle Gibson (Somerset)
Sarah Glenn (Yorkshire)
Freya Kemp (Hampshire)
Linsey Smith (Hampshire)
New Skills Contracts:
Em Arlott (Warwickshire)
Emma Lamb (Lancashire)
Ryana Macdonald-Gay (Surrey)
Issy Wong (Warwickshire)
This contract cycle begins in the shadow of a huge opportunity and expectation, as England prepares for a home World Cup. They will enter the tournament with one of the most experienced and well-supported setups in women’s cricket.
Connor spoke openly about the significance of the next 12 months:
“We’re all excited about what 2025/26 brings. Witnessing India win the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in their own country in front of their own fans is a powerful reminder of the impact that winning major events on home soil can have. The Red Roses too have provided that inspiration. So we know how huge an opportunity a home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is for us next summer. In addition, I know our players will all be striving to be involved in a historic women’s Test match at Lord’s against India.”
