In a groundbreaking moment for women’s cricket, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled the Professional Domestic Women’s League with an impressive event that united prominent figures in women’s cricket from all corners of the nation at Freedom Park in Tshwane on Tuesday.
“The professionalisation of the women’s domestic structure aims to elevate the women’s cricketing landscape by providing a platform for local talent to shine, fostering a culture of sporting excellence, while inspiring the next generation of players.” – CSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki
This new league is a direct response to the resounding triumph of the Proteas Women in the recent ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 held in New Zealand and the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted on home soil.
During these tournaments, the team progressed to the semi-finals and finals, respectively, earning them the moniker of ‘History Makers’ for becoming the first senior national cricket team to reach an ICC World Cup final.
A Rich Recent History
South Africa’s role as hosts extended to the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in January 2023, where the SA U19 team’s dazzling performance brought them to the cusp of the semi-finals during an electrifying super 6 stage.
With its roots deeply entrenched in local talent, coupled with advanced coaching and medical support systems, this new league stands as a testament to CSA’s persistent efforts to advance the sport. The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) has injected R15 million over three years, further underlining their commitment to this development.
Comprising two key tournaments, the CSA Professional Domestic Women’s League encompasses the CSA Women’s One Day Cup and CSA Women’s T20 Challenge. This visionary approach aims to redefine the perception and celebration of women’s cricket.
The league’s structure is poised for a significant transformation. The ‘Top Six’ Division 1 will see the number of permanent contracts per team rise from six to 11 players.
Furthermore, there will be an upgraded and permanent coaching setup consisting of a head coach and an assistant coach. A centralised system will also provide physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches to each team.
In a bid to boost enthusiasm among players and teams, CSA has introduced a combined prize money fund for the winners of the upcoming campaign in the first division. This division features prominent teams such as DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill Western Province, the reigning 2022/23 T20 and 50-over champions, along with Fidelity Titans, Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers, and newcomers Free State.
CSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil the Professional Women’s Cricket League, an initiative that celebrates the remarkable achievements of our national women’s cricket team and paves the way for an even brighter future.
Moseki concluded by calling on brands to continue their support for women’s cricket and acknowledging the league’s potential to reshape the narrative around women in sports in the country.
Photo 1 caption: South Africa’s standing as hosts of the ICC Women’s and U19 Women’s T20 World Cups is boosted as the Federation announces a Professional Women’s Cricket League to unite and bring women’s cricket together from all corners of the nation. Photo: gsport
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