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Northamptonshire have submitted an application to be the home of one of eight professional women's teams.

Durham and Kent are also in the running as the England and Wales Cricket Board looks to change the structure of professional women's cricket in 2025.

The number of women and girls playing cricket in Northamptonshire increased by 160% in 2023.

"Women's and girls' cricket is already a main priority for us as a club," said chief executive Ray Payne.

"Growing the women's and girls' game has been the headline initiative for our Steelbacks in the Community team and we've seen incredible results already.

"Being able to deliver a clear pathway for a young girl in Northamptonshire to progress from soft-ball cricket to a full-time professional contract, playing at Wantage Road, is a special thing and we are investing hugely to make that a reality."

Up to £5m per year will be spent on women's cricket by the ECB as part of the initiative.

March is the deadline for the 18 first-class counties and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to submit their bids.

Unsuccessful applicants and national counties will be invited to fill semi-professional and amateur slots in tiers two and three - a process expected to be complete by September.

Northants board director Sam Kiddy said: "The work we've put in as a club over the last few years to encourage more girls to get involved in cricket is proving so rewarding and hosting a Tier 1 side will inspire many more new players.

"We want to be producing international cricketers within Northamptonshire, that's the goal.

"We've seen Jodi [Grewcock] and Josie [Groves] named in the England Women Under-19s squad this week which is a wonderful start.

"They're both incredible young cricketers from within our county and we want to be in a position in the future where talented players like them can proudly say they are Steelbacks on their journey into the England side."

Last season's Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final, won by Southern Vipers, was staged at Northampton.