Heather Knight Steps Down as England Women’s Captain After Nine Remarkable Years

Heather Knight Steps Down as England Women’s Captain After Nine Years of Inspirational Leadership

World Cup-winning leader to continue playing as ECB prepares to name new captain for a new era

London, March 22, 2025 – In a significant development for English cricket, Heather Knight has stepped down as captain of the England Women’s team after nearly a decade at the helm. The 33-year-old, who led England to some of their most memorable moments in recent history, will continue to be available for national selection as a player.

Knight’s captaincy tenure, which began in 2016, has seen her lead England in 199 matches, including their iconic 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup triumph at Lord’s, and two more appearances in ICC finals. Under her leadership, the team enjoyed a golden period, recording 134 victories, making her the second-most successful captain in England Women’s cricket history.

A Defining Era of Growth and Glory

Knight took over the captaincy during a transitional phase for the women’s game and helped redefine the team’s identity. From rebuilding the squad post-2015 to clinching the World Cup on home soil in 2017, she was at the forefront of England’s rise to the top of world cricket.

Another standout achievement came during the 2023 home Ashes, where England won the IT20 series and drew the multi-format contest against Australia, ending their dominance and reigniting interest in women’s cricket across the country. She also captained the side to eight consecutive ODI series wins, a national record.

Despite recent disappointments, including a semi-final exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the UAE and a tough Ashes series in Australia, Knight’s legacy remains untarnished.

A Leader on and Off the Field

Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director of England Women and Deputy CEO, praised Knight’s impact, saying:
“Heather has been an outstanding leader as England Women’s Captain. She has led the team by example as a role model off the pitch, and through the runs she has scored on it – often in the toughest conditions.”

Connor highlighted Knight’s unforgettable Ashes century in Canberra in 2022, calling it an innings of “great skill and great heart,” and praised her role in transforming women’s cricket in England, especially after the 2017 World Cup win at Lord’s, which served as a catalyst for the game’s growing popularity.

“Heather is passionate about inspiring young girls to play cricket and to making our sport gender-balanced. She is a powerful role model to young professionals and grassroots players alike,” Connor added.

Heather Knight Reflects on Her Journey

In an emotional statement, Knight expressed her pride and gratitude for her time as captain:
“Captaining my country for the last nine years has been the biggest honour of my life and I will look back on my tenure with an enormous sense of pride.”

“I have loved the challenge of leading the team, but all good things come to an end. It’s time for me to go back into the ranks and focus on being the best batter and teammate I can be,” she said.

While the 2017 World Cup victory remains a clear highlight, Knight also took immense pride in the strides made off the field, including increased investment, visibility, and participation in women’s cricket.

She extended heartfelt thanks to her coaches Mark Robinson, Lisa Keightley, and Jon Lewis as well as her teammates, fans, and her family, especially her partner Tim, for their unwavering support.

“The people make the job. I have loved being England Captain it’s been the most rewarding period of my career,” she concluded.

A Role Model with Bat and Heart

Knight made her international debut in 2010, and in 2020, became the first England cricketer male or female to score a century in all three formats. Known for her calm leadership, consistency, and ability to rise to big moments, she remains one of the most respected batters in world cricket.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive, echoed the admiration:
“The World Cup win and the thrilling 2023 Women’s Ashes will live long in memory. Heather’s influence as captain has extended far beyond the pitch. She has inspired many women and girls to get involved in cricket and helped transform the game since 2016.”

A New Chapter for England Women

With a packed international calendar ahead including two ICC World Cups over the next 15 months the ECB will soon appoint a new captain to lead England Women into a new era.

Knight’s decision to step down comes at a critical juncture as the team looks to regroup and refocus after mixed results in recent global tournaments.

The announcement of her successor is expected in the coming days, with the new leader set to inherit a team with a strong foundation, shaped by Knight’s steady hands and fearless leadership.

While Knight’s captaincy journey comes to a close, her cricketing chapter is far from over and her next innings promises to be just as impactful.