Knight steps down from PCA Board

Heather Knight has decided to step down as Vice Chair of the PCA following five years in the role, representing player views and progressing standards for professional cricketers in England and Wales.

Initially appointed in the summer of 2020, Knight notified the PCA Board of her intention to leave her post earlier this year and following a PCA Board meeting yesterday, has now officially stepped back from her role.

A new position created by then PCA Chair Daryl Mitchell in 2020, the former England captain was appointed alongside James Harris as joint Vice Chairs, to support the Chair and the Players’ Committee whilst providing an increased representation of current players on the Board.

With Harris elected Chair in 2021, Derbyshire’s Anuj Dal was appointed his Vice, alongside Knight and the 28-year-old, will continue as the male Vice Chair until the end of his current term which is due to end at the 2027 AGM.

Already engaged with the PCA in her role as England captain from 2016, Knight has been a leading voice in promoting equity and representing the views of male and female cricketers to progress standards.

The 34-year-old used her platform to champion the importance of women’s cricket during the covid pandemic, represented views in the implementation and opening years of The Hundred, including recently advocating for closing the gender pay gap in the competition.

The Somerset batter was a significant voice in creating the PCA’s vision and priorities in the women’s game, highlighted in the release of the PCA’s Women’s Cricket Impact Report in March this year.

Applications to be the next female Vice Chair of the PCA will be opening shortly. Full details will be shared with all current female players.

Following stepping down from her role as PCA Vice Chair, Knight, said:

“It’s been hugely enjoyable to have been involved. With the changes in the women’s game over the last five years, it has been super rewarding to have been part of this. It’s something I’ve loved, but the time feels right now for me to step away a bit and for somebody else to have a voice while I can enjoy the back end of my career and not have too many responsibilities.

“It was a good time to get involved, having an input on what it’s like being a women’s cricketer and helping to shape the future of the domestic game, which is in a super cool place. It’s pretty mad actually to think how much has changed since I started as the Vice Chair but it has been very rewarding to see how it has grown.

“Having more female voices in boardrooms is really important and it’s no surprise how much the women’s game has moved forward having the PCA involved. It’s been a real priority of theirs to push forward the standards both for England and the domestic game.

“It’s an association that has the players interests at heart and supports us really well so I’m very grateful for everyone at the PCA for the support they give us.”

PCA Chair, Olly Hannon-Dalby, said:

“Heather has been a magnificent advocate for all professional players during her tenure as Vice Chair and her impact will be felt for years to come.

“Her commitment, engagement and desire to push standards forward has been inspiring, not just across the women’s game, but the men’s too.

“Having a senior role to represent collective player views is a privileged position and Heather has used this to the advantage of all players.

“I want to thank her for all of her efforts and wish her well in her new role focusing on her on pitch matters for England and I have no doubt she will continue to push standards for all.”