The Board of Cricket Victoria has confirmed it will consider applications for the potential expansion of the Women’s Premier Cricket competition.
The Board of Cricket Victoria has confirmed it will consider applications for the potential expansion of the Women's Premier Cricket competition.
The decision comes in response to the ongoing growth and development of cricket for women and girls in Victoria.
Cricket Victoria Chair Dr David Maddocks said on current evidence the competition would be in a position to consider expansion now and in the future.
"The participation of women and girls in cricket has been strong for several seasons now, particularly in metropolitan areas. It's incumbent on us to look at ways we can offer more playing opportunities for new players coming through the system," Dr Maddocks said.
"We've had ongoing interest from a number of clubs in the idea of expansion. It's an exciting time when there is real momentum to continue building on what has been achieved to date. Women's Premier Cricket remains an outstanding foundation for some of Australia's best players."
While expansion next season is possible, it is not guaranteed with Cricket Victoria determined to ensure the standard of the existing competition continues to grow and that any new clubs are well-placed to be competitive.
"This is not just a matter of growth for growth's sake. Our data and our conversations with stakeholders throughout club cricket is that we are at a point where this can now be considered. Inspired by Australia, the WBBL or playing for Victoria, we have emerging talent that will be knocking down the door in the next couple of years and we want to ensure we can cater for that," Dr Maddocks said.
Applications for entry into the competition will only be accepted from Men's Premier Clubs to put a focus on existing elite facilities and preparation environments.
"This decision is about future growth and is clearly not a reflection of the quality of existing teams in the competition that are not part of the men's competition like Box Hill, Essendon-Maribyrnong Park and Plenty Valley. These clubs have proud traditions of success which will continue. This decision simply allows us to address planning for future expansion." Dr Maddocks said.
Were a club to be endorsed to join, it is expected the club would join the competition initially through the 2nd and 3rd Xl competition before transitioning to field a team in the Women's Premier 1st Xl competition in subsequent seasons.
