WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club have been awarded Tier Two women’s status in a significant milestone for women’s and girls’ cricket in the county.
The Pears hope to elevate the women’s game by enhancing opportunities for participation and visibility across the county. Worcestershire have hosted Central Sparks alongside its own women’s Rapids team in recent years.
Earlier this year the club secured its first standalone sponsorship for the women’s Rapids team.
Worcestershire County Cricket Club CEO, Ashley Giles, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded Tier Two women’s status.
“Our commitment to women’s cricket is unwavering, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all players.
“Tier Two status will allow us to further invest in the women’s game in a sustainable way, support our players, and engage with our community on a deeper level.”
The purpose of Tier Two cricket is to support development and retention of talented female players, establish a sustainable structure, filter ECB investment, encourage local investment and expand the geographical reach of women’s cricket.
Highlights of Worcestershire’s successful bid include the county’s plan to increase visibility and participation though its women’s Rapids team.
Worcestershire also plan to enhance the matchday experience at New Road, recruit a full time head of women’s cricket and additional coaches and medical staff and hope to deliver a commercial strategy which raises significant funds through sponsorships and partnerships.
Giles added: “By investing in our players and infrastructure, we aim to create an environment where women and girls can thrive and pursue their cricketing dreams.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed the formation of Tier Two and Tier Three competitions in the revamped women’s domestic cricket structure which will launch in full in 2025.
Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire will make up Tier Two in the 2025 season.
The 10 counties will play 50-over and 20-over cricket with further information to follow on the competition structure and 2025 schedule.
