England Women Announce Central Contracts for 2025/26, Focus on T20 World Cup

England have laid out their roadmap for the crucial 2025/26 season by announcing a list of 17 full Central Contracts and four Skills Contracts for their women’s cricketers, with a major focus on the upcoming home ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

All-format captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, fresh from a stellar World Cup campaign in India, leads the group of seven players who are entering the second year of their existing contracts.

 

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Ten players have been awarded new one-year deals, with left-arm spinner Linsey Smith receiving her maiden full Central Contract after impressive performances in the recent 50-over World Cup.

The list of Skills Contracts sees two new names: all-rounder Em Arlott and batter Emma Lamb, who join Ryana Macdonald-Gay and Issy Wong in this category designed for focused development.

In a notable omission, experienced 34-year-old seamer Kate Cross has not been offered a contract for the new cycle. Clare Connor, Managing Director of England Women, acknowledged Cross’s service while emphasising that the door to national selection remains open for all domestic performers.

Connor highlighted the significance of the coming year, stating, “It’s an immensely exciting year ahead for England Women… with our collective focus firmly on winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup next summer.”

The season also holds the historic prospect of a women’s Test match at Lord’s against India, adding to the incentive for the contracted players.

Full List of England Women’s Central Contracts (2025/26):

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

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

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

                                               

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