Women’s cricket in the United States is taking a major step forward as the inaugural Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Exhibition launched in August, creating new competitive opportunities for female players and helping accelerate the growth of the game across the country.
British female-founded cricket brand Maiden Cricket, recently seen on Dragons’ Den, has been named the tournament’s founding apparel
The partnership comes after a landmark summer for the women’s game in the UK, with record-breaking crowds, growing participation and increased investment continuing to raise the profile of female cricket. With cricket returning to the Olympic Games at Los An
Although an estimated 500 women play cricket across the US, only around 20 are regularly in contention for the national team, with many players averaging just 35 competitive matches over seven or eight years. The inaugural Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Exhibition has been created to help address that gap, bringing together leading international players alongside some of America’s top domestic talent in a high-performance environment designed to strengthen the pathway towards a future Major League Cricket Women (MLC-W).
Founded by teenage sisters Honor and Cat Black after growing frustrated with playing in kit designed for boys, Maiden was created to ensure female cricketers had equipment built specifically for them.
The partnership sees Maiden supply match kit, training wear and specialist equipment, including women’s batting pads, wicketkeeping pads and gloves, ensuring every player has access to products designed specifically for female athletes.
Leading Maiden Cricket US is 16-year-old Aashna Jain, Owner of Maiden Cricket US A longtime follower of cricket, Aashna saw an opportunity to introduce Maiden’s female-first approach to a US market where interest and opportunities in the sport continue to expand.
“I’ve followed cricket for years, and I’m excited to bring Maiden to the US,” said Aashna Jain. “I want girls to have access to cricket apparel and equipment designed specifically for female players and to feel like there is a place for them in the sport. I hope Maiden can inspire more girls to get involved in the game.”
Honor Black, Co-Founder of Maiden Cricket, said:
“When Cat and I started Maiden, it came from our own experience of loving cricket but never feeling like the game had been designed with girls in mind. We wanted to change that.
“We’ve seen women’s cricket grow so much over the past few years, especially here in the UK, and it’s really exciting to see that momentum building in the US too.
“We’re incredibly proud to support the inaugural Seattle Orcas Women’s T20 Exhibition. We hope it inspires more women and girls across the US to pick up a bat and see cricket as a sport where they belong.”
Sean Cary, CEO of the Seattle Orcas, said:
“This exhibition is an important opportunity to showcase the talent that already exists in women’s cricket and create a competitive environment where players can continue to develop.”
“We wanted a kit partner that understood the specific needs of female cricketers, and Maiden brings that perspective to the tournament. We’re excited to be working together and help establish an event that can continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Anika Kolan, USA Women’s senior team player and Maiden Cricket US athlete ambassador, said: “Being part of the first US women’s cricket tournament is an important milestone for the sport and for the players who have been working to grow the game here.”
“Women cricketers need opportunities to compete at a high level and show the talent that already exists in the US and North America. Having uniforms and equipment designed specifically for female players makes this moment even more meaningful. It shows that women’s cricket is being taken seriously, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The tournament features three teams competing in six round-robin matches before a final, with fixtures streamed nationally alongside youth activities and family-focused events designed to help inspire the next generation of players and fans.
