Kia Super League to get even bigger in 2018 with 10 group games
We hear from victorious Storm skipper Heather Knight and more
Tuesday 5 September 2017 13:07, UK
The Kia Super League is only getting bigger!
Western Storm defeated 2016 champions Southern Vipers in this year's final at Hove on Friday night, Rachel Priest's rollicking 72 off 36 balls paving the way for Storm's seven-wicket win.
The first two editions of the KSL saw the six teams play five group games - but that will be doubled in 2018, with the sides playing each other home and away.
Director of England Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, hopes a greater number of matches can give the tournament even more impetus with attendances in 2017 up 33 per cent on the previous season.
"Can it grow as significantly next year? I hope so," Connor told Sky Sports News, after 3,500 fans watched Storm beat Vipers, a record for a domestic women's match.
"I hope the momentum we have created around the women's game this summer through the World Cup and this competition means we can."
Heather Knight completed a memorable summer double when she captained Storm to the KSL title, having skippered England to the World Cup trophy at a sold-out Lord's in late July.
Reflecting on the KSL's rise, Knight said: "It's gone from strength to strength since last year. It feels like there is a more professional vibe and a lot more people know what's going on."
Watch the video at the top of the page to hear from KSL Player of the Tournament, Suzie Bates, and retiring Vipers captain Charlotte Edwards.
