International Women's Day at Lancashire Cricket
Today (March 8) marks International Women’s Day, the worldwide moment that champions the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Lancashire Cricket is proud to once again commemorate the occasion that celebrates women's achievements in line with this year’s theme aimed at helping forging a more inclusive world for women.
The Club has a long-term, year-round, commitment to investing in women and girls cricket at all levels of the game, as well as providing gender balance and diverse representation throughout the whole organisation.
There are many current examples of this focus at all levels of the organisation, some of which you can read about below:
Thunder head to UAE and India for pre-season tour thanks to Hilton support
For a third successive year, Hilton are once again the headline sponsors of Lancashire Cricket and Thunder’s joint pre-season tour.
Yesterday, Thunder travelled to the UAE for the first leg of a pre-season tour which will see the squad train, play and take part in commercial events alongside several Official Club Partners in Dubai.
Both Thunder and Lightning squads will then head to India on Monday 11 March, where they will be based in Bangalore, for further warm weather training that will include net sessions, match scenario practice and pre-season fixtures. Click here for further information.
Thunder Captain Ellie Threlkeld commented: “For a third year in a row, we are incredibly excited to be heading on a joint Lancashire Lightning and Thunder pre-season tour. A lot of the Thunder squad including myself have been away during the winter so it is really nice that we will all be back together on tour with the new season just around the corner.
“Hilton’s support for the Thunder programme has been incredible and we can’t thank them enough for all that they do.”
Lancashire Cricket bidding to run tier one professional side in new ECB structure
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is inviting applications to run professional sides, in a departure from the regional model introduced in 2020.
With a plan for three tiers in the sport from 2025 onwards, the Club has made a firm commitment to bid for the ownership of a team that will compete in tier one T20 and 50-over competitions from 2025 throughout the initial four season term.
Women’s cricket continues to thrive at Emirates Old Trafford
In 2022, the Thunder became the first women's side to headline a T20 double header, a feat they repeated in 2023.
This year, the Thunder will play more matches at Emirates Old Trafford than ever before and the most of any region at a Test Match venue.
For supporters wanting to watch the very best women’s players representing England, later this year tickets will go on sale for the first international women’s matches at Emirates Old Trafford in 20 years.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have allocated Emirates Old Trafford a total of five International Women’s fixtures for the period covering 2025-2031.
Lancashire Cricket Foundation registers 22% increase in dedicated women’s and girls’ clubs
It’s not just the elite women’s game that is experiencing tremendous growth. Last year, the Lancashire Cricket Foundation - the official charity of Lancashire Cricket - experienced further expansion of the women and girl’s game at the grassroots level, too.
The county is proud to report that 124 cricket clubs in Lancashire now operate dedicated women and girls sections, a 22% year-on-year increase.
Additionally, 530 secondary school girls took part in the ECB Indoor Competitions during 2023, a 10% increase versus 2022.
Dame Sarah Storey nominated for Presidency
It was confirmed this week that Dame Sarah Storey has accepted a nomination by the Board to become the Club’s next President.
Following significant discussion and consideration of suitable candidates, the Board unanimously supported the nomination of Britain’s most decorated Paralympian for the role, which has a two-year term.
The Board has been seeking to identify a Board member with in-depth understanding of women’s elite sport which has been a notable gap in the Club's skills matrix. Lancashire Cricket also wanted to find a President who is respected across the North West and nationwide.
Dame Sarah Storey, added, “It is an incredible honour to have been asked by the Lancashire Cricket Board to become the Club’s next President and follow in Sir Howard’s significant footsteps.
“As a kid, I recall many happy memories watching the Red Rose with my family. As a member and fan, to have this opportunity to serve this great Club and bring my experience to bear is very exciting."
Launch of The Thunder Club
Last month, Lancashire Cricket unveiled the Thunder Club – a free subscription that will bring supporters closer to the journey of Thunder Cricket, our regional women’s team.
Free to join, Thunder Club is the best way to stay close to Thunder with behind-the-scenes exclusives, all the action and thrills of the Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as well as lots of other perks!
New Thunder documentary to hit screens soon
Finally, the Club can confirm that LancsTV will be launching its first documentary next month.
The documentary followed Thunder throughout last year’s Charlotte Edwards Cup, which saw the team reach their first Finals Day. The fly-on-the-wall film also documents the challenges the Thunder players have faced throughout their careers and will include in-depth interviews with Kate Cross, Alex Hartley, Ellie Threlkeld and Olivia Bell.
It also includes interviews with a number of officials from Lancashire Cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board – as well as views from the media.
Further information regarding the film’s release will be shared in due course across all Club channels.
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For more information on women’s and girls’ cricket, including participation opportunities, please click HERE.