Cricket Scotland offer professional contracts to women for the first time

The selection process took place in February and March. The successful women are Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Loran Jack, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Orla Montgomery, Hannah Rainey, and Ellen Watson

For the first time in Scottish cricket history, nine female cricketers have been selected for professional contracts.

Cricket Scotland confirmed the news on Wednesday (May 10), with the move building on the introduction of equal match fees for men and women in 2021.

The selection process took place in February and March. The successful women are Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Loran Jack, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Orla Montgomery, Hannah Rainey, and Ellen Watson.

Interim head of performance Toby Bailey said: "I'm absolutely delighted that nine of our best women's players have agreed to be the first to sign with Cricket Scotland.

"Given the rapid growth of women's cricket across the world, promotion and investment in the women's game in Scotland is now a cornerstone of the strategy for the organisation, and today's news is a big step on the road to ensuring that cricket in Scotland is fair and inclusive for all.

"Our new setup will enable those players from the women's squad who have signed to devote more time to training and practice, and we believe this is a major move towards putting the women's game onto a fully professional footing."

Additionally, 14 male players have also been given pro contracts for 2023/24.

They are Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Ally Evans, Chris Greaves, Jack Jarvis, Michael Leask, Chris McBride, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Liam Naylor, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Hamza Tahir, and Mark Watt.

The Scotland women's team are yet to announce this season's fixtures. The men are due to kick off their campaign on June 18 against Zimbabwe in the World Cup Global Qualifier.

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