Berkshire Women 1st XI – Player Applications Open

Following a successful first season in Tier 3, Berkshire Women have continued to build on the strong foundations established in 2025 with another hugely successful campaign in 2026.

The 2026 season saw Berkshire lift the T20 Division 1 title, adding another national title to the club’s honours, while also finishing as runners-up in the 50-over competition. Across both formats, the team continued to demonstrate the strength and depth of the Berkshire programme, whilst providing opportunities for players to develop and progress into higher levels of the domestic game.

At the heart of our 1st XI programme are two key objectives: supporting our pathway players to progress towards professional cricket, whilst ensuring we leave Berkshire Women in the strongest possible position to capitalise on any opportunities that may arise when the domestic structure is reviewed again in 2029.

Whilst competing on the field, we want to create an environment where emerging players can develop, gain experience and take the next steps in their cricketing journey. The one thing we ask from anyone who wants to be part of the Berkshire Women’s 1st XI squad is buy-in. We want players who understand the role they can play in the bigger picture, who are committed to helping develop the next generation of Berkshire players, and who also want to challenge themselves and contribute to a successful 1st XI.

As we look ahead, we are ambitious about the future of Berkshire Women and the opportunities that may come with the continued evolution of the domestic game. We will continue to work hard to ensure Berkshire is in the strongest possible position to take advantage of those opportunities when the domestic structure is reviewed in 2029.

We are now inviting players who believe they can contribute to these objectives to register their interest in playing for Berkshire Women’s 1st XI.

      •     Players must be 16 or over

      •     Players must meet the 2025 ECB Player Eligibility Criteria

2.1 – A cricketer can only play in a [Tier 3 Competition] match if:

2.1.1. – She is either (a) a British or Irish Citizen; or (b) an EU, EAA or Swiss Citizen with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme; and

2.1.2 – in the twelve months before the current season and/or date of registration, and during the entire period of her registration, she has not played (a) international cricket (at U17 level or above) for any ICC Full Member Country except England; or (b) Disapproved Cricket

2.1.3 – She is willing to make (and, whenever requested by the ECB, makes) a declaration in the form set out in Annex A to these Regulations

      •     Select the strongest & most balanced team for each game

      •     Continue to develop & provide opportunities for pathway players to play 1st Team cricket (where appropriate)

      •     Work with our partner organisations ie. Hampshire/Vipers to create appropriate playing opportunities within the Talent Pathway Catchment Area

      •     Work with other Tier 1 & Tier 2 Counties to support female cricketers across the developing Women’s game

      •     Opportunities to strengthen the squad will be taken to select the strongest & most balanced side

      •     Consider players commitment/availability for Matches & Preparation ie. Training and when schedule allows participation in Premier Women’s Club Cricket.