The ECB have unveiled their England Women’s Central Contracts for the 2025-26 season, with 17 full-time and four skill deals in place, but the big headline is the big fast bowler’s inactivity Kate cross.
Kate Cross: The only player dropped from England Women’s previous contract list
The 34-year-old, who has represented England in more than 100 internationals, is the only contract player at center to signal a strategic shift to a smaller bowling group of the previous era, signaling a strategic shift to a smaller bowling group ahead of the 2026 home T20 World Cup.
The decision, while expected, marks the end of an era. Cross previously revealed on the Podcast earlier this year that he was informed of his disagreement shortly after he was left out of England’s 50s World Cup squad. He described the news as “Unbelievably tough” Katherine Sciver-Brunt has been a consistent leader in England’s PACE attack since retirement.
The ECB thanks the cross for its extraordinary services to England cricket
Clare Connor, director of management, acknowledged her contribution to the Cross, which praised her “Years of extraordinary service” However, he confirmed that he will not be part of the contracted group for the upcoming season.
Connor emphasized that the ECB is building a younger core by 2026, “The door of choice never closes” for any internal performer. That said, strong performances in regional and county cricket could still translate into contention for international teams.
Young boxers were rewarded as England reshape attack
England’s new signing list highlights a decisive investment in fast bowling talent. Linsey Smith won her first full Central Contract after an impressive year, with young sailors Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur and Danielle Gibson all rewarded after consistent performances over the last 12 months and throughout the CWC25 campaign.
The ECB have also handed out skill contracts to Em Arlott, Emma Lamb, Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Issy Wong, all seen as long-term prospects. These development deals sit fully below the Central Contract Tier and are designed to support the next batch of bowlers and all-rounders ahead of the demanding international schedule.
Of the 17 full contracts, seven players continue into the second year of their existing deals – captain heather knight, global stars, global stars and sophie ecclestone, wicketeeper amy jones and senior players lauren bell and Danny Wyatt-Hodge.
Ten new one-year deals go to a mix of established internationals and rising stars:
Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith.
Connor said the 2025-26 set-up mirrored England’s “Owner Planning” They balance your experience with the need to prepare a fresh core for a home global event.
Read: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the costliest buy for RCB in the WPL 2026 auction
Full list of England Women’s contracts for the 2025/26 season
Full contracts available:
Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Nat Scover-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
New one-year full contracts:
Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith
New skill contracts:
Em Arlott, Emma Lamb, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Issy Wong
Read: What if Indian legend Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?
This article was originally published WomenCricket.coma Cricket timings Company.
