Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (England) 2021/22

The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy stands as a significant chapter in English women's cricket, operating as the premier domestic 50-over competition. Launched in 2020 under the ECB’s "Project Darwin" initiative, it displaced the former Kia Super League to establish a regional hub model. This restructuring created a distinct pathway for female cricketers, positioning the tournament alongside the Charlotte Edwards Cup as the primary domestic fixture.

Eight professional teams formed the core of the competition, including Sunrisers, Western Storm, Central Sparks, South East Stars, Southern Vipers, and Lightning. Unlike previous structures, these franchises operated without promotion or relegation, ensuring stability within the league. The format evolved annually, shifting from group stages to single and double round-robin systems, ultimately culminating in semi-finals and a final in its last season.

Southern Vipers emerged as the dominant force, securing three titles across the tournament's lifespan. Sunrisers claimed the final edition in 2024, ending the competition's run. The event was discontinued after 2024, paving the way for the ECB Women's One-Day Cup, which returned to a county-based structure in 2025.

Named in tribute to Rachael Heyhoe Flint, the former England captain who passed away in 2017, the trophy honoured her legacy. It remained a standalone 50-over event, typically scheduled later in the season compared to other competitions. Notable performances included Eve Jones of Central Sparks recording the highest individual score of 136 not out in 2024, while Alice Davidson-Richards of South East Stars amassed 650 runs in a single season that same year.

The competition provided a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills on the domestic stage. Its regional structure allowed teams to build strong local identities while competing at a professional level. The transition to the new county-based system marks a new era for women's cricket in England and Wales, building upon the foundation laid by this tournament.