For someone who has already achieved so much so quickly, Sophia Smale spends surprisingly little time talking about what comes next. The conversation drifts instead towards old bats stacked up at home, a childhood medal won in Newport, and a ticket from her professional debut that she still keeps tucked away years later. “I like things like that,” she says. “I like to think about the journey I was on.”
Follow the 2026 Women's Hundred Auction as it happens through our LIVE blog! All the latest updates, opinions, expert context and more!
The women’s competition at The Hundred will take centre stage on Wednesday 11 March, as the UK’s first-ever major sporting auction unfolds beneath the iconic backdrop of Piccadilly Lights. More than 1000 players across the men’s and women’s competitions will go under the hammer across two days, with the women’s teams first up as they… Continue reading The Women’s Hundred 2026 Auction Set for Piccadilly Lights as 254 Strong Draft List Revealed
The Hundred has confirmed major updates ahead of the 2026 season. Nat Sciver-Brunt will remain with Trent Rockets, while rising star Alice Capsey joins Birmingham Phoenix & Northern Superchargers have rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds! With these moves, the league blends continuity, fresh talent, and bold new identities as it heads into the next chapter.
Liverpool Women’s struggles this season go far beyond one heavy defeat. Sitting bottom of the WSL, their regression reflects deeper structural issues: from underinvestment and thin squad depth to unanswered questions over reinvestment following the sale of Olivia Smith. Against a backdrop of profound loss, the club now faces an all-too-familiar sense of déjà vu, with conditions emerging that echo those which led to relegation before.
England have announced 17 Central Contracts and four Skills Contracts for 2025/26, blending continuity with emerging talent ahead of a home T20 World Cup. Linsey Smith earns her first full deal, while Kate Cross is the notable omission. The ECB emphasise opportunity, development and preparation for a pivotal year.
Francesca Sweet will leave Leicestershire after a breakthrough year in Tier 2 cricket, joining Glamorgan as the Welsh county prepares for its progression into Tier 1. Sweet’s move follows a standout 2025 season in which she topped the Foxes’ run charts in both formats and produced one of the club’s greatest-ever partnerships.
With contract announcements arriving thick and fast keep completely up to date with this transfer tracker!
What began as a flicker in 2022 has become a wildfire: from one match in silence to a summer of stadiums erupting with women’s sport.
With new identities, reshaped playing squads, and brand new tournaments, here is your comprehensive guide to what women’s professional cricket will look like in 2025 with everything you need to know ahead of it all kicking off this week.
