In a jaw-dropping revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, sources close to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have leaked plans to assemble the most expensive women’s cricket coaching staff in history — with an estimated budget of over ₹20 crore — ahead of the 2026 Women’s ODI World Cup. If finalized, the move would signal England’s intent to reclaim the title they last won in 2017 and revolutionize support for women’s cricket globally.
According to insiders, the ECB is in advanced negotiations with several high-profile names, including current and former men’s coaches, performance analysts, sports psychologists, and specialized batting and bowling consultants, to build a “dream team” around skipper Heather Knight. The plan reportedly includes a five-person elite panel dedicated solely to the World Cup squad, unprecedented in women’s cricket.
A senior ECB official, requesting anonymity, revealed, “The ECB wants to spare no expense in preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The goal is to give our women’s team the same level of support the men’s side received when they won the 2019 World Cup. This is about making a statement that women’s cricket deserves the same investment.”
The rumored budget has stunned fans and pundits, with many applauding the ECB’s ambitious vision. Social media exploded with hashtags like #ENGWomensWC2026 and #GameChanger, with supporters celebrating the move as a historic step toward equality in cricket funding. Former England women’s captain Charlotte Edwards praised the leaked plan, saying, “This would be a game-changer for women’s cricket not just in England, but worldwide.”
However, critics have questioned whether such a massive spend is justified given the relatively low revenues currently generated by the women’s game compared to men’s tournaments. Some argue that investing more in grassroots cricket and domestic competitions might have a bigger long-term impact than splurging on a star-studded coaching staff.
Meanwhile, fans from rival countries, including India and Australia, fear England’s bold strategy could set a new standard and widen the gap between wealthier boards and emerging nations, potentially impacting the competitive balance of women’s cricket.
The ECB has declined to comment officially on the leaked details, but sources suggest an announcement could come before the end of the year if negotiations progress smoothly.
Will England’s record-breaking coaching gamble pay off and bring World Cup glory — or will it prove to be an expensive misfire? The cricketing world is watching with bated breath as 2026 draws closer.