Middlesex fail in bid for Women’s Super League team

Middlesex will not be part of the inaugural Women’s Super League after their bid for a franchise was rejected.

The club put in a joint bid with the MCC to be one of six host teams for the new competition, but was unsuccessful.

Among those to be awarded franchises were Hampshire, Lancashire, Surrey and Yorkshire, while Loughborough University and a joint South West bid – incorporating Somerset and Gloucestershire – were also accepted.

John Stephenson, MCC’s head of cricket, said: “Having submitted a joint bid with Middlesex to become a host for the ECB Women’s Cricket Super League, naturally MCC is disappointed with today’s outcome.

“Hopefully the club can play an active part in the tournament in the years ahead.

“MCC also looks forward to hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s next year.”