Lancashire: Sophie Ecclestone and Mahika Gaur sign deals for 2026

England duo Sophie Ecclestone and Mahika Gaur have signed contracts to play for Lancashire in the 2026 season.

Both players, who have England central contracts, have agreed shadow contracts with the Red Rose that will exist around their international commitments.

Left-arm spinner Ecclestone, 26, who has played 272 games for England and is currently third in the Women’s T20 International bowling rankings, helped Lancashire win the inaugural T20 County Cup in 2025.

Pace bowler Gaur, 20, who has made 26 international appearances, was part of the side that won the One-Day Cup final last year.

“Sophie’s journey from our pathway to becoming one of the leading bowlers in world cricket is something we are incredibly proud of,” Lancashire’s director of women’s cricket David Thorley told the club website., external

“Mahika is an exciting young cricketer with enormous potential, who has already demonstrated her quality at domestic level and on the international stage.”

Ecclestone has made 58 professional appearances for the county and taken 91 wickets, while Gaur has claimed 40 wickets in 35 Lancashire games since making her debut in 2023, the same year that she made her England bow.

This summer, England have series with New Zealand, India and Ireland and will also host the Women’s T20 World Cup in June.