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The 53

53 women having an impact on cricket in England and Wales

In 1973, England and Wales hosted the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup. 53 years on, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup returns and to mark the occasion, the ECB is recognising 53 women whose impact is helping cricket thrive at every level.
Featuring World Cup winners, coaches, umpires, volunteers, broadcasters, groundskeepers, disability cricket champions and community builders, these women reflect the breadth of the modern game and the many ways people can be part of it.
Explore their stories below and discover how cricket has a place for everyone.
Feeling inspired? Find your place in cricket.
Whether you want to play, volunteer, learn or build a career in the game, there’s a route for you.
Play: Find your local club - click here
Learn: Find a course (coach, umpire, scorer) - click here
Work: Explore roles and career pathways - click here
Volunteer: Get involved at your local club - click here

Our 53

  1. EW

    1973 England Women's Team

    The 53 campaign takes inspiration from that pioneering World Cup and the women who made it happen.

  2. AR

    Aimee Rees - Glamorgan CCC

    "I am proud of helping young girls realise their potential, both on and off the field."

  3. AW

    Alexia Walker - Sussex Cricket

    "Cricket provides so much more than runs, wickets and wins."

  4. AJ

    Amy Jones - Cheshire Cricket

    "Get involved in cricket - you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve."

  5. AP

    Anisha Patel - Northamptonshire CCC & SACA

    "Cricket clubs offer far more than just the game itself."

  6. AH

    Anna Harris - Umpire

    "What I value most now is not just the matches I stand in, but the chance to give back."

  7. AW

    Anna Warren - ECB

    "To women and girls thinking of working in the science and medicine sector, go for it!"

  8. AR

    Ayesha Rauf - Llandaff CC

    "I see myself as someone who creates opportunities and helps make cricket more inclusive."

  9. BBW

    Beth Barrett-Wild - ECB

    "Whatever role you’re drawn to, you’ll be welcomed and you’ll help shape what comes next."

  10. BT

    Briony Tonks - Oldswinford CC

    "Shaping the future by being present, curious, ambitious and championing our lived experiences."

  11. CB

    Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi - Cambridge Caribbean Cricket Academy

    "My message to women and girls is dream big, in cricket everything is possible."

  12. CM

    Charlotte Mandale - Puddletown CC

    "A cricket club is like an extended family, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have found mine."

  13. CM

    Charlotte Moore - Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation

    "I knew there was one thing I wanted to do career wise, and that was to inspire others to take a chance with cricket."

  14. CD

    Cheryl Davidson - Norton Oakes CC

    "I don’t see myself as a role model, but I do understand the power of representation."

  15. CC

    Clare Connor CBE - ECB

    "If you’re thinking about getting involved, I’d encourage you to take that step."

  16. DW

    Danni Wyatt-Hodge - England Women

    "Becoming a mum has brought a whole new perspective and motivation."

  17. DF

    Donna Fraser OBE - PCA

    "Women’s sport is on the rise and much more on the radar, and that is hugely encouraging."

  18. ER

    Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE - Former England Women player & broadcaster

    "Seeing ACE grow into a nationally recognised pathway for players has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career."

  19. EM

    Emily Marshall - ECB

    "Find something you’re passionate about and say yes to opportunities."

  20. FN

    Fidelis Navas - Warwickshire Cricket Foundation

    "Trust isn’t something you can manufacture; it’s earned slowly, through consistency, respect, and showing up for people."

  21. GR

    Gabriella Rolls - Kent Cricket Foundation

    "As a wheelchair user, I know firsthand that opportunities, especially in sport, aren’t always the easiest to find."

  22. GB

    Gabi Brown - Umpire

    "Cricket gives you the opportunity to be part of a fantastic community."

  23. GM

    Georgina Mackenzie - ACE Programme

    "I am driven by the opportunity to help break down barriers within the sport."

  24. GC

    Glynis Culley - Winchmore Hill CC

    "Cricket has offered me a lifetime of learning skills, having fun and making many, many friends."

  25. GP

    Grace Pearson - Yorkshire Cricket Foundation

    "No matter who you are or where you've come from, cricket has a place for you."

  26. HP

    Hannah Paling - Cumbria Cricket

    "We are always looking for female coaches to inspire the next generation."

  27. HS

    Helen Smith - Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough CC

    "Cricket has been rewarding, fun, fulfilling and created lifelong friendships."

  28. IG

    Isa Guha MBE - Former England Women player & broadcaster

    "I want to help ensure the game continues to grow, evolve and inspire future generations around the world."

  29. IG

    Izzy Gurney - MCC Foundation

    "I relished the challenge of playing a male-dominated sport."

  30. JD

    Janet Drummond - Hampshire Cricket

    "I am proud to have worked my way up from casual team member to senior leadership."

  31. JD

    Jemima Dalton - East Midlands Women's Cricket League

    "Cricket has the power to transform lives, and create positive, safe and supportive environments."

  32. JB

    Jen Barden - Lancashire Cricket Foundation

    "There are so many different versions of cricket something will appeal to you."

  33. KC

    Karen Coleman - Endon CC

    "I’m proud to play an active role in helping grow women’s and girls’ cricket within our club and local community."

  34. KS

    Kate Stephens - Chance to Shine

    "I’m incredibly proud that we have now helped eight million children take part in the game."

  35. KH

    Katie Holland - Lord's Taverners

    "When I wanted to move from the stands to the pitch at school, I was told it was a boys' sport."

  36. KB

    Kenzie Benali - Presenter & broadcaster

    "What drives me most is seeing the game continue to evolve and become more inclusive."

  37. KP

    Khadija Patel - KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club

    "When women and girls see people like them in these spaces, it changes what they believe is possible."

  38. KC

    Kira Chathli - Surrey CCC

    "Seeing teammates succeed and develop is also a big part of what makes the game special to me."

  39. LH

    Liara Hampton - Lord's Taverners

    "Cricket has such a welcoming and supportive community and it can open so many doors."

  40. MS

    Maralyn Smith - Somerset Cricket Foundation

    "Be part of making cricket the most inclusive sport."

  41. MS

    Marilyn Smith - Middlesex CCC

    "We had broken the glass ceiling and women were finally allowed in to this all male institution."

  42. ML

    Meg Lay - Lord's Cricket Ground

    "Some of the moments I’m proudest of have been genuine firsts."

  43. MB

    Mehwish Babar - Cricket East

    "As a mum and coach, I’m proud to be a role model for others starting their journey."

  44. MJ

    Michelle Jeyarajah - Berkshire Cricket

    "Living in a Sri Lankan and Indian household, cricket was the subject of daily conversation."

  45. NK

    Nikki Kapoor-Chaudhuri - Commentator & presenter

    "Beyond that white line lies endless opportunities to work in a sport you love."

  46. NN

    Nimet Nathani - ECB

    "I feel privileged to work in a culture that supports balancing work and parenting."

  47. SY

    Sara Yasin - Youth ambassador

    "I’ve seen first-hand how cricket can build confidence, create opportunities, and bring people together."

  48. SB

    Sheromie Brewster - ACE Programme

    "Cricket welcomes your energy, voice, and leadership, whether you want to play, volunteer, or coach."

  49. TP

    Theresa Peters - Surrey CCC

    "For me, the crucial thing is showing people that you care."

  50. TO

    Tracey Orr - Warwickshire CCC

    "I have the honour and privilege of leading this ambitious and inspiring club."

  51. VJ

    Victoria Jones - Cricket Wales

    "I am proud to be a female leader within the sport and to help show women and girls that they can shape its future too."

  52. YH

    Yolanda Harris - Umpiring & Officiating Tutor

    "If you love the game, you will love being involved."

  53. YT

    Yvonne Tweddle - Kings Bromley CC

    "I believe progress comes from being open to change and willing to try something different."