Lost Cricket History Found in Cowshed

Discover the untold history of women's cricket, found in a cowshed and now preserved at the MCC Library. Learn about the pioneers and their struggles.

In 2011, the MCC Library at Lord's, a renowned cricket archive, contained a surprisingly limited collection on women's cricket, featuring only three books. This lack of material prompted a researcher to document the history of women's cricket, leading to the discovery of a vast archive.

This extensive collection, including minute books dating back to 1926, scrapbooks, letters, and newspaper cuttings, was found in a former cowshed in Lancashire. The materials detail the struggles of early female cricketers, who often endured ridicule and severe financial limitations.

These pioneers, like those who played in skirts until 1997 due to dress code rules, faced immense challenges. For instance, the Women's Cricket Association (WCA) was perpetually impoverished, with players resorting to fundraising efforts and even wearing sponsored bras for tours.

In 2017, the MCC acquired the complete WCA archive, ensuring its preservation at Lord's. This move contrasts sharply with the initial scarcity of resources, offering a comprehensive view of women's cricket history and celebrating its present-day professional status.

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