The ECB has unveiled England Women’s central contracts for the 2025-26 season, offering 17 full-time deals and four skill contracts, but the key headline is the omission of the senior pace bowler kate cross,
Kate Cross: The only player to be left off England Women’s previous contract list
The 34-year-old Cross, who has represented England in more than 100 international matches, is the only centrally contracted player to be left out of the last cycle, signaling a strategic shift towards a young bowling group ahead of the domestic T20 World Cup in 2026.
Although expected, this decision marks the end of an era. Cross had already revealed on his podcast earlier this year that shortly after being left out of England’s 50-over World Cup squad in India, he was informed that his deal would not be renewed. He described the news this way “Incredibly difficult,” Katherine continued to lead England’s pace attack after Sciver-Brunt’s retirement.
ECB thanks Cross for his exceptional services to England cricket
Managing director Claire Connor praised Cross and acknowledged his contribution “Years of Exceptional Service,” But confirmed that she will not be part of the contracted group for the upcoming season.
Connor stressed that while the ECB is building a youth core with an eye to 2026, “The door of choice is never closed” For any home artist. That said, strong performances in regional and county cricket could still bring Cross back into the running for the international team.
Young bowlers rewarded for reshaping England’s attack
England’s new signing list highlights a decisive investment in emerging fast bowling talent. Lynsey Smith has earned her first full central contract after an impressive year, while young pace bowlers Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur and Danielle Gibson have been rewarded after outstanding performances over the last 12 months and the CWC25 campaign.
The ECB has also issued skill contracts to M Arlott, Emma Lamb, Rhianna McDonald-Gay and Issie Wong, who are seen as long-term prospects. These development deals are below full central contract level and are aimed at supporting the next group of bowlers and all-rounders ahead of a demanding international schedule.
Of the 17 full contracts, seven players will continue into the second year of their current contracts – including captain Heather Knight, global stars Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone, wicketkeeper Amy Jones and senior players Lauren Bell and Chris Taylor. Danny Wyatt-Hodge,
The ten new one-year contracts come from 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 Lynsey Smith.
Connor said the 2025-26 structure reflects England’s “succession planning” As they balance domestic experience with the need to build a new core for global organizing.
Also read: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the most expensive buy for RCB in the WPL 2026 auction
Full list of England Women contracts for the 2025/26 season
Existing Full Contract:
Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danny 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, Lynsey Smith
New Skills Contract:
M Arlott, Emma Lamb, Rhianna McDonald-Gay, Issy Wong
Also read: What if India’s legendary player Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
