Clare Connor Leaves ECB After Long Time Helping Women's Cricket Grow

Clare Connor is leaving her job at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after the Women's T20 World Cup. She worked there for 18 years and was very important in making women's cricket a professional sport in England. This is a big change for cricket.
By Newsroom | Cricket, England |

Clare Connor, a prominent figure in English cricket administration for nearly two decades, is set to conclude her tenure with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following the upcoming home Women's T20 World Cup. Her departure marks the end of a significant period during which women's cricket in England has evolved from an amateur pursuit to a professional landscape. Connor, who held dual roles as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of England Women, has been instrumental in this transition, overseeing major structural changes and the introduction of professional contracts.

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Background and Career Arc

Clare Connor's association with the ECB spans 18 years. Before her administrative career, she was an international cricketer, representing England in 111 matches. Her transition into leadership saw her championing the professionalization of the women's game.

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  • Early Career: Connor juggled playing cricket with a career in teaching.

  • Administrative Rise: She progressed within the ECB, eventually holding senior leadership positions.

  • International Influence: Connor was the first woman to serve on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee and has chaired the ICC Women's Cricket Committee for over a decade.

Key Achievements in Women's Cricket

During Connor's time at the helm, significant advancements were made in women's cricket.

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  • Professionalization: She led the shift from an amateur setup to a professional era.

  • Implementation of central contracts for England Women.

  • Establishment of professional structures and contracts for domestic female players.

  • Governance: Connor played a key role in shaping women's cricket globally through her work with the ICC.

  • Chaired the ICC Women's Cricket Committee for over ten years.

  • Served two terms on the Sport England Board.

Recent Team Performance and Departures

Connor's exit comes at a time when the England Women's team has experienced recent performance fluctuations, including a group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in October 2024 and a subsequent loss in the Women's Ashes. This period also saw the departure of Jon Lewis as the head coach of England Women in March 2025, after just over two years in the role.

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  • T20 World Cup 2024: England failed to reach the semi-finals.

  • Women's Ashes 2025: The team suffered a significant defeat.

  • Coach Departure: Jon Lewis left his coaching position following these results, despite a record of 52 wins in 73 matches and consistent success in bilateral series.

Addressing Performance and Culture

In February 2025, following the Women's Ashes defeat, Connor addressed concerns about the team's performance and alleged "cosiness."

  • Performance Under Pressure: She acknowledged the team was "wrestling with performance under pressure."

  • Professionalism: Connor refuted claims of a lack of professionalism or an overly comfortable team environment.

  • Catching Up: She noted that England was still "playing catch-up" with Australia in terms of professionalism in the women's game, despite significant investment from the ECB.

  • Incident: Connor commented on an "unfortunate incident" involving player Sophie Ecclestone, stating it "won't happen again."

Looking Ahead

Connor's departure signifies a new chapter for both her and the ECB. Her legacy is tied to the substantial growth and professionalization of women's cricket in England and Wales. The ECB will now navigate leadership changes within both the administrative and coaching structures, aiming to build on the foundations laid during Connor's extensive tenure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Clare Connor leaving the ECB?
Clare Connor is leaving her job after 18 years. Her last day is after the Women's T20 World Cup.
Q: What did Clare Connor do for women's cricket?
She helped make women's cricket a professional sport. She also worked to improve the teams and the rules.
Q: Did the England Women's team do well recently?
The team did not do as well as hoped in the T20 World Cup and the Women's Ashes. The coach also left his job.
Q: What is next for women's cricket in England?
The ECB will find new leaders. They will try to build on the good work Clare Connor did.