Leicestershire County Cricket Club has announced its intention to secure professional status for women’s cricket at Uptonsteel County Ground.

The submission follows the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) major plans for the evolution of women’s cricket via the creation of a three-tiered domestic competition structure, starting from 2025.

Under the proposals, eight counties will receive ‘Tier 1’ status, affording them the opportunity to professionalise their women’s outfit and compete in the ECB’s elite-level women’s T20 and 50-over competitions.

Leicestershire CCC has developed a vision to elevate the women’s game to the pinnacle of county cricket, while creating an enduring legacy to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams in cricket.

The Club has long signalled its unwavering commitment to growing women and girls’ cricket and creating equal opportunities, while Uptonsteel County Ground boasts some of the most revered training facilities in county cricket.

In a major structural change, Leicestershire Women’s pathway recently transferred to the cricket pillar, aligning operational practices with the men’s setup in pursuit of becoming the best women’s pathway in the country.

The move strives to replicate the success of the men’s structure, including the fundamental aim of producing homegrown, elite level cricketers - such as Stuart Broad, James Taylor, and Rehan Ahmed – all of whom have enjoyed flourishing England careers after graduating through Leicestershire’s Academy.

The bid will also cement Uptonsteel County Ground as the permanent home venue for Leicestershire Women, who have increased the frequency of their matches on Grace Road year-on-year in recent seasons.

Stephen Franklin’s side will once again feature across multiple ‘double-header’ matchdays alongside Leicestershire Men during this summer’s Vitality Blast, while plans to issue a dedicated changing room for the side are also underway.

Discussing the tender, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said:

“We are so blessed with the exceptional coaches and infrastructure we have at Leicestershire. By giving our women and girls the same knowledge, facilities, and opportunities, we are providing a rich platform for them to reach the highest level."

“Our blueprint with our Men’s pathway has been immensely successful. We have produced a pantheon of England stars, and we are incredibly confident we can replicate that path with sustained success for our Women and Girls’ programme."

“Leicestershire is one of the most diverse counties in the country. We believe achieving Tier 1 status will further enhance our ability to break new ground in the women and girls’ game and inspire new generations within every pocket of our communities.”

Leicestershire’s bid is being supported by several high levels stakeholders in the county - including Leicester City Council, Leicester City Football Club, and Leicester Tigers – with a successful submission set to result in significant investment and the creation of jobs at the Club.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club has today (Monday, 11 March) announced its intention to secure professional status for women’s cricket at Uptonsteel County Ground.

The submission follows the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) major plans for the evolution of women’s cricket via the creation of a three-tiered domestic competition structure, starting from 2025.

Under the proposals, eight counties will receive ‘Tier 1’ status, affording them the opportunity to professionalise their women’s outfit and compete in the ECB’s elite-level women’s T20 and 50-over competitions.

Leicestershire CCC has developed a vision to elevate the women’s game to the pinnacle of county cricket, while creating an enduring legacy to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams in cricket.

The Club has long signalled its unwavering commitment to growing women and girls’ cricket and creating equal opportunities, while Uptonsteel County Ground boasts some of the most revered training facilities in county cricket.

In a major structural change, Leicestershire Women’s pathway recently transferred to the cricket pillar, aligning operational practices with the men’s setup in pursuit of becoming the best women’s pathway in the country.

The move strives to replicate the success of the men’s structure, including the fundamental aim of producing homegrown, elite level cricketers - such as Stuart Broad, James Taylor, and Rehan Ahmed – all of whom have enjoyed flourishing England careers after graduating through Leicestershire’s Academy.

The bid will also cement Uptonsteel County Ground as the permanent home venue for Leicestershire Women, who have increased the frequency of their matches on Grace Road year-on-year in recent seasons.

Stephen Franklin’s side will once again feature across multiple ‘double-header’ matchdays alongside Leicestershire Men during this summer’s Vitality Blast, while plans to issue a dedicated changing room for the side are also underway.

Discussing the tender, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said:

“We are so blessed with the exceptional coaches and infrastructure we have at Leicestershire. By giving our women and girls the same knowledge, facilities, and opportunities, we are providing a rich platform for them to reach the highest level."

“Our blueprint with our Men’s pathway has been immensely successful. We have produced a pantheon of England stars, and we are incredibly confident we can replicate that path with sustained success for our Women and Girls’ programme."

“Leicestershire is one of the most diverse counties in the country. We believe achieving Tier 1 status will further enhance our ability to break new ground in the women and girls’ game and inspire new generations within every pocket of our communities.”

Leicestershire’s bid is being supported by several high levels stakeholders in the county - including Leicester City Council, Leicester City Football Club, and Leicester Tigers – with a successful submission set to result in significant investment and the creation of jobs at the Club.