Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will begin on August 29, ECB announce

Each of the teams will play twice over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with the sides split into two divisions of four based on their geography

Full Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy fixture list

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will get under way on August 29, the ECB have confirmed.

The fixture list for the competition, which features the eight new women’s regional hubs, was released on Wednesday.

Each of the teams will play twice over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with the sides split into two divisions of four based on their geography.

The tournament’s final will take place on September 26, though the venue for the match has yet to be decided.

While none of the games will be broadcast live on TV, the ECB confirmed that there are intentions to make some available via online streaming.

The Heyhoe Flint Trophy is a stopgap competition, designed to fill the gap where the new women’s domestic 50-over tournament was meant to be prior to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.

A total of 25 new professional contracts - initially retainers - were handed out in June, and the Heyhoe Flint Trophy gives those players the first opportunity to perform as pro cricketers.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “I’m proud that we will stage the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in honour of a true great of our game both on and off the field. 

“Rachael’s determination to give women’s cricket the platform it deserves is a legacy that must endure through these difficult times as we continue the journey to professionalise the women’s game. This summer’s tournament will be another important step on that path.”