by Our Sports Desk

Women’s cricket was given a huge boost yesterday when the ECB announced that a new six-team Twenty20 Super League will be launched next year.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said it would invest £3 million in the league over the next four years, with prize money available for the first time in the domestic structure.

It will run initially alongside the Women’s One-Day County Cup and Women’s County Twenty20 competitions.

From the 2017 season, the Super League will encompass both limited-overs formats — with the intention of creating greater competition for places among more experienced players at international level.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “Today marks a major step for the women’s game in England.

“The new Women’s Cricket Super League will take standards to a new level and show more women and girls the opportunities that cricket can give.”

ECB director of England women’s cricket Clare Connor described the new structure as “the next stage in the evolution of women’s cricket in this country” while Sport Minister Tracey Crouch said it was “a huge step forward for women’s sport.”

Connor added: “Last year brought the introduction of central contracts for 18 England women’s players and a significant commercial deal with Kia Motors.

“Now, through the Women’s Cricket Super League, we will create high-performance training and competition environments which will constantly challenge our very best players and drive the sustained success of our England team.

“We also have the chance to invite the world’s finest players into the Women’s Cricket Super League to drive ever higher standards.”

The teams set to participate in the new league will be announced at a later date, as will further details of the format and its timing.