Middlesex bid to become home of professional women's team

Lord's has hosted Sunrisers matches in first-class women's cricket

Middlesex have announced they are bidding to become the home of one of eight new professional women's cricket teams in England.

Northamptonshire, Kent and Durham are all also bidding to host teams in the England and Wales Cricket Board's plans for the sport next year.

"As a club with such a proud history in the women's game we need to ensure we continue to do all we can to support that growth," Middlesex CEO Andrew Cornish said.

Up to £5m per year will be spent by the ECB on women's cricket as part of the plans.

Middlesex has been the host county for the Sunrisers, which represents London and the East, since the launch of the team in 2020.

"As the Sunrisers' host county, we have seen just what is possible with professionalisation of the women's game," said Cornish.

"We are extremely grateful for the support we are receiving from our partners MCC [Marylebone Cricket Club] in our bid, who share our vision to see as much professional women's cricket played at Lord's as possible.

"And we are hopeful that we are able to carry on the incredible amount of work that has already gone into developing the professional women's game to this point.

"To see professional men's and women's sides out on the field, playing in Middlesex colours, is something we all aspire to, and we hope to be able to bring that vision to life in the coming few years."

March is the deadline for the 18 first-class counties and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to submit their bids.

Unsuccessful applicants and national counties will be invited to fill semi-professional and amateur slots in tiers two and three - a process expected to be complete by September.