England Women's central contracts for next cycle announced by ECB

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday (13th December) announced the updated England Women's central contracts. Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer have been handed the full contracts for the next year.

ECB has handed 17 players a full contract. Among those, the likes of Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge have been given a contract for two years while 10 players in the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey have been given one-year contracts.

ECB has also offered three development contracts

Apart from the central contracts, ECB has also offered three development contracts to Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Issy Wong, and Bess Heath. All the players would be keen to make an impact with crucial tournaments around the corner in the next cycle of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Managing director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor talked about the central contracts, saying that they have offered contracts to the players they feel will play a significant role for England. He also expressed his delight in Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer being transitioned onto full contracts.

Clare Connor also talked about development contracts, saying that they will be working with all the players and their counties to ensure that players grow. Speaking about the same, he explained:

"As ever, we have awarded central contracts to the players we feel will play a significant role for England in the foreseeable future. We are delighted that Mahika Gaur and Lauren Filer have transitioned to full contracts, having been part of our group over the past year.

"Ryana MacDonald-Gay has had an outstanding year, and the development contract affords her the opportunity to continue to push her claim for selection. We look forward to working with all three players on development contracts and their Counties to ensure they continue their development."

We have another significant period of cricket ahead - Clare Connor

Clare Connor further talked about the upcoming few events, claiming that the players they have offered contracts have the skills to be successful in all conditions and formats. He elaborated:

"We have another significant period of cricket ahead and we believe this group of players have the skills to be successful in all conditions and formats which will be essential as we look forward to a two-year period that includes the Women's Ashes in early 2025, multiple bilateral series, the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India, and a home ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the summer of 2026."

While talking about the increase in salaries, Clare Connor said that it was another landmark year in Women's Cricket. He also expressed his gratitude towards the England Women's Player Partnership (EWPP) and the PCA for their support. He added:

"This is another landmark year in terms of increased remuneration for England Women. We have been able to make another significant increase in the value of central contracts on the back of last year's equalisation of men's and women's international match fees across all formats.

"We continue to work positively with the England Women's Player Partnership (EWPP) and the PCA and are grateful for both their support and challenge in these matters."

Full List of England women's central contracts

Two-year central contracts: Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

One-year central contracts: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp

Skills/development contracts: Bess Heath, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Issy Wong

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