England duo Sophie Ecclestone & Mahika Gaur pen Lancashire deals

England spin spearhead Sophie Ecclestone and emerging quick Mahika Gaur have committed their domestic futures to Lancashire by signing contracts for the 2026 season, the club confirmed today.

The pair, both holders of England central contracts, have agreed shadow deals that will allow them to feature for the Red Rose when national duties permit. Ecclestone, 26, is currently ranked third in the ICC Women’s T20 International bowling charts and has already amassed 272 caps for her country. The left-armer first joined Lancashire’s pathway system and has since claimed 91 wickets in 58 professional appearances for the county, playing a pivotal role in their inaugural T20 County Cup triumph in 2025.

Gaur, 20, made her Lancashire debut in 2023—the same summer she earned her first England cap—and has since taken 40 wickets in 35 games for the county. The pace bowler was part of the squad that lifted the One-Day Cup last season and is viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in the English game.

Lancashire director of women’s cricket David Thorley hailed the re-signings as a statement of intent: “Sophie’s journey from our pathway to becoming one of the leading bowlers in world cricket is something we are incredibly proud of. Mahika is an exciting young cricketer with enormous potential, who has already demonstrated her quality at domestic level and on the international stage.”

With England facing series against New Zealand, India and Ireland this summer before hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in June, both players will juggle international commitments with their continued development at Old Trafford.