ECB Announces Tier 2 Teams for Upcoming Women’s Domestic Competition

From next year, Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire will form the second tier of England and Wales’ new women’s domestic cricket competitions. They will compete in both 50-over and 20-over formats, with specific details about the competition structure and schedule for 2025 yet to be announced. Additionally, all National…


From next year, Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire will form the second tier of England and Wales’ new women’s domestic cricket competitions. They will compete in both 50-over and 20-over formats, with specific details about the competition structure and schedule for 2025 yet to be announced.

Additionally, all National Counties will have the opportunity to participate at Tier 3 level starting from 2025. The three-tier system will be in place from 2025 to 2028, with no promotion or relegation. The ECB has also revealed plans for a knock-out cup competition involving teams from all three tiers, set to launch in 2025 alongside the establishment of this new structure.

Earlier announcements detailed that Durham, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Warwickshire will compete in Tier 1 beginning in 2025. Yorkshire will move up to Tier 1 in 2026 pending certain conditions, and Glamorgan will join Tier 1 in 2027. The ECB aims to expand Tier 1 to include 12 teams by 2029.

Beth Barrett-Wild, director of the women’s professional game, expressed excitement about finalizing the three-tier structure, emphasizing its significance for the growth and development of women’s cricket. The new structure aims to support up to 39 counties, enhance professional opportunities for female players, and align more closely with men’s cricket, backed by increased investment totaling £8 million annually by 2027, leading to a total investment of approximately £19 million per year in women’s domestic cricket.