Maia Bouchier, a skilled batter, and versatile all-rounder Danielle Gibson have both been granted their first central contracts with the England Women’s cricket team. This notable achievement comes as they are set to participate in the upcoming T20 series against India, beginning this Wednesday.
At 24 and 22 years of age respectively, Bouchier and Gibson are among the 18 players who have secured central contracts for the 2023-24 season. This move marks a significant step in their cricketing careers.
The young talents of Mahika Gaur (17), Lauren Filer (22), and wicketkeeper Bess Heath (22) have also been recognized, each receiving development contracts. These contracts signal a commitment to nurturing emerging talent in women’s cricket.
The contract list sees notable changes with Katherine Sciver-Brunt no longer under contract following her retirement. Additionally, bowler Freya Davies is no longer on contract.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has emphasized the enhanced structure of these contracts. They include improved provisions for family support, a performance-based bonus system, increased retainer values, and the historic equalization of match fees with those of the England men’s team.
This move towards pay parity follows the recommendations of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket. The Commission’s report highlighted the presence of discrimination within the sport, leading to a prompt adjustment in international match fees for women cricketers in England and Wales.
Bouchier, who will soon turn 25, debuted in 50-over cricket for England in the one-day series against Sri Lanka, having already played in the T20 series. Gibson, who made her England debut in this year’s Women’s Ashes, has appeared in six T20 internationals, including matches against Sri Lanka alongside Bouchier.
Gaur and Filer, both fast bowlers, have each made their England debuts recently – Gaur against Sri Lanka and Filer in the Ashes Test against Australia. Heath debuted in the ODI series victory over Sri Lanka in September.
Davies, at 28, has had limited recent involvement with the England team, last playing in the women’s Ashes.
Out of the 21 players with either central or development contracts, 19 are participating in the upcoming T20 series and a one-off Test in India. Tash Farrant is currently recovering from an injury, while Issy Wong has recently excelled in a T20 series with England A against India A, following earlier challenges.
This India series serves as crucial preparation for the England women’s team ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Jonathan Finch, the Director of England Women’s Cricket, stated that the central contracts are aimed at players expected to significantly contribute in the coming year, especially given the busy international cricket schedule. He highlighted Bouchier and Gibson’s recent performances and their potential as key players for England moving forward.
The list of central contract recipients for 2023-24 is a blend of experience and emerging talent, showcasing the depth and potential of England’s women’s cricket.
England Women Central Contracts 2023-24:
- Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
- Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers)
- Alice Capsey (South East Stars)
- Kate Cross (Thunder)
- Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers)
- Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars)
- Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder)
- Tash Farrant (South East Stars)
- Danielle Gibson (Western Storm)
- Sarah Glenn (The Blaze)
- Amy Jones (Central Sparks)
- Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers)
- Heather Knight (Western Storm)
- Emma Lamb (Thunder)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze)
- Issy Wong (Central Sparks)
- Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)
England Women Development Contract List:
- Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds)
- Lauren Filer (Western Storm)
- Mahika Gaur (Thunder)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England Women Cricket Contracts
Who are the new central contract recipients in the England Women’s cricket team?
Maia Bouchier, a 24-year-old batter, and Danielle Gibson, a 22-year-old all-rounder, have been awarded their first central contracts with the England Women’s cricket team for the 2023-24 season.
What changes have been made to the England Women’s cricket contracts?
The contracts now include enhanced family provision entitlement, a bonus structure that rewards success against higher-ranked opposition, increases to the value of retainers, and the equalization of match fees with the England men’s team.
How does the new contract structure support gender equality in cricket?
The new contract structure, including the equalization of match fees, supports gender equality by ensuring that women cricketers receive the same pay as their male counterparts for international matches.
Who else has received development contracts in England Women’s cricket?
Young bowlers Mahika Gaur (17) and Lauren Filer (22), along with wicketkeeper Bess Heath (22), have been given development contracts for 2023-24.
What significant retirements and losses have occurred in the England Women’s cricket team?
Katherine Sciver-Brunt is no longer under contract following her retirement, and bowler Freya Davies has lost her contract.
What are the upcoming challenges for the England Women’s cricket team?
The team is preparing for the three-match T20 series and a one-off Test in India, which are key preparations for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh scheduled for September and October next year.
More about England Women Cricket Contracts
- England Women’s Cricket Team Contracts
- Maia Bouchier’s Career Highlights
- Danielle Gibson in Women’s Cricket
- Women’s Cricket Pay Parity Developments
- England vs India Women’s T20 Series
- T20 World Cup Preparations for England Women
- Women’s Cricket Contract Structures and Benefits
- Young Talents in England Women’s Cricket Team
- Gender Equality in International Cricket
5 comments
really happy about the pay parity! it’s high time women cricketers got the same respect and pay as the men. Kudos to the ECB.
Just read about the contract changes, this is such a big step for womens cricket, really proud of how far we’ve come.
Wow, great to see Bouchier and Gibson getting their due, Finally some recognition for the hard work they put in!
Gibson’s an all-rounder to watch out for, mark my words, She’s gonna make waves in the T20 series!
A bit sad to see Katherine Sciver-Brunt go, she was such a powerhouse… but looking forward to the new talent like Gaur and Filer.