Heather Knight has officially stepped down as Vice Chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) after five years in the role. The former England captain played a significant part in shaping the future of the women’s game during a transformative period for cricket in England and Wales.
Knight, 34, informed the PCA Board of her intention to step away earlier this year, with her departure confirmed following the latest PCA Board meeting. She held the role alongside her international playing duties and worked closely with Chair Olly Hannon-Dalby and fellow Vice Chair Anuj Dal.
Knight’s legacy: Advancing women’s cricket and player representation
Appointed in 2020 under then PCA Chair Daryl Mitchell, Knight and James Harris became the first Vice Chairs under a new structure designed to amplify player voices at the board level. When Harris transitioned to Chair in 2021, Derbyshire’s Anuj Dal stepped in as male Vice Chair, serving alongside Knight.
Throughout her tenure, Knight became a leading advocate for women’s cricket equity, helping to advance professional standards across both domestic and international levels. She was instrumental during the pandemic in maintaining visibility for the women’s game and has been a consistent voice for closing the gender pay gap in The Hundred.
PCA Women’s Cricket Impact Report and strategic influence
Knight’s contributions were central to the creation of the PCA Women’s Cricket Impact Report, released in March 2025. Her leadership helped define the PCA’s strategic goals for the women’s game and brought attention to player welfare, pay, and professional development opportunities.
“It’s been hugely enjoyable to have been involved,” said Knight. “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.”
Applications to fill Knight’s role as female Vice Chair will open shortly, with details to be circulated to current female players across England and Wales.
Tributes and next steps
Olly Hannon-Dalby, PCA Chair, praised Knight’s leadership and long-standing advocacy:
“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,” said Hannon-Dalby. “Her commitment, engagement and desire to push standards forward has been inspiring.”
Knight, who captained England since 2016, now steps away from boardroom responsibilities to focus on the latter stages of her playing career. Her departure marks the end of a pivotal era for the PCA’s engagement with the women’s game, but her legacy of change is expected to endure.
