‘It’s been one of the toughest weeks’: Kate Cross on losing England central contract
England’s star pace bowler Kate Cross is opening up about the heartbreak of losing her central contract, calling it the toughest week of her career. The 33-year-old, who has claimed more than 100 wickets for England since her 2013 debut, learned just before the Women’s Hundred that her deal won’t renew for 2025.
In a raw chat on the No Balls Podcast, Cross shared how the news hit her hard. “It’s probably been one of the toughest weeks I’ve had in my career,” she said. She described her meeting with head coach Charlotte Edwards and director of women’s cricket Jonathan Finch, where they broke the news. “As of October 2025, I will not be a professional cricketer for England anymore. I’ve been dreading saying that. I feel sick. It is still very raw.”
Cross faces an emotional challenge ahead. She has to gear up for the Women’s Hundred—a tournament she usually loves—but admitted it’ll be tough. “Now I’ve got to play in what is normally the funnest tournament of the year, and I know it’s going to be a really tough few weeks for me.”
Her struggles started earlier this summer during England’s ODI series against India. Cross began as vice-captain and opener but got dropped midway, even missing the final must-win game. She called the decision “savage” and heartbreaking, especially since she prides herself on reliability in big moments. That led to her snub from the upcoming ODI World Cup squad, signaling her international future was in jeopardy.
Despite the lows, Cross shone in domestic cricket. She helped Northern Superchargers clinch the Women’s Hundred title this year and led Lancashire to wins in the Women’s County Cup and One-Day Cup. But the off-field blow overshadowed everything. “I had an amazing summer in purple [for Northern Superchargers], but the last few weeks have been awful,” she said. “I’ve really struggled to enjoy cricket; I’ve probably been the worst team-mate for my Lancs girls.”
The emotional toll runs deep. On long bus trips with Lancashire, Cross isolated herself, feeling “mute and numb.” She’s still processing it all—eight Tests, 76 ODIs, and 18 T20Is into her England career—and the sudden end stings most. “It does feel like there’s an element of finality about it all, and the bit I got so upset about was how quickly it’s all happened,” she explained.
Cross plans to seek professional help soon to start dealing with the pain. As she navigates this uncertain path in women’s cricket, fans are rooting for her resilience.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
