Prisha Thanawala and Liv Baker have signed their first professional contracts with The Blaze.
Seamer Baker was recently named The Blaze's Academy Player of the Year, claiming 29 wickets in all formats, including 18 in T20 cricket at an average of just 12.22 and strike rate of 11.78.
Her best performance saw her record figures of 3-5, while she has recently arrived in Melbourne to play cricket through the English winter.
“It has been a privilege to play alongside a great group of girls in the Academy and I am grateful to the coaches and support staff for helping me get to this point,” Baker said.
“Being offered a contract feels like a reward after a lot of hard work, and I’m really excited for what’s to come.
“I know it will be an environment where I can continue both to improve and enjoy my cricket, and hopefully be part of more success from a team perspective.”
All-rounder Thanawala has come through the Leicestershire pathway as well as the regional Academy.
The 17-year-old claimed 35 wickets at 17 apiece with her off-spin for The Blaze in 2024, whilst striking a 67-ball unbeaten 102 in a clash against Northern Diamonds.
She has also been named in Chris Guest's England squad for the ICC U19 World Cup in Malaysia.
“I aspired to get a contract so I'm delighted with this opportunity, and I feel ready to take my game to the next level,"
“I’ve been around the group a little bit this summer, but I’m looking forward to getting to know them better and contributing positively to a team who have been very successful in the last couple of years.
“I owe a lot to those who have helped me get to this point - including all the coaches and staff at The Blaze, in particular Cain and Jack Richardson, who have brought my game on during my time in the Academy.
“It’s going to be a really exciting six months with the World Cup and then getting back to training with The Blaze ahead of the new season in 2025.”
The pair join Academy product Amy Wheeler - who signed an ACE Programme-supported contract - as well as new signings Charley Phillips and Georgia Elwiss at The Blaze.
“These contract offers are richly deserved, and whilst it will be a step up for both Liv and Prisha, I have no doubt they’ll embrace the challenge,” Cain Hamilton-Boyle, Senior Regional Talent Manager, said.
“Both will learn a great deal from being in a new environment with experienced players who can push them to become better.
“Liv is a really accurate bowler who has spearheaded the Academy attack over the last couple of years. She has developed her variations and pace to become a threat across various stages of the game.
“Prisha has moved her game forwards with bat and ball to become a dangerous player in all areas. She has the skill to really turn the ball, and has a lot of room still to grow and develop.
“After the move to Trent Bridge in 2022 with what was then a young cohort of players, to now have three Academy players earn contracts reflects the hard work being done to help players progress.”