Rosa Simkin, crowned the MCC Female Young Broadcaster of the Year for 2026, earned the competition's top prize by joining Sky Sports' live broadcast team for The Hundred final at Lord's on Sunday. During the innings break of both the women's and men's finals, the 18‑year‑old conducted rapid-fire interviews with Trent Rockets captain Georgia Adams and Manchester Super Giants star Noor Ahmad, both of whom later lifted their respective trophies.
In addition to the on‑field interviews, Rosa contributed bite‑size highlight reels for Sky Sports Cricket's digital platforms and created Instagram content for Lord's, offering viewers a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of her role on the production crew. She also spent time at Sky's Osterley headquarters before the event, where she observed the inner workings of cricket broadcasting from the studio floor. The visit included a walkthrough of the Sky Sports News studios, a hands‑on look at live‑sport production workflows, and a mentorship conversation with Jo Osborne, Sky's head of women's sport, about navigating a career in the industry.
Rosa wrapped up her preparation with a final briefing from the cricket production team ahead of the big day. The MCC Young Female Broadcaster competition, now in its third edition and backed by Sky Sports and the women's cricket charity Take Her Lead, seeks to broaden pathways for young women who aspire to careers in sports media. By spotlighting emerging talent and providing practical experience, the programme aims to nurture the next generation of female voices in cricket broadcasting. The competition attracted a record 50 submissions this year, the highest tally since its inception.
A judging panel comprising Sky Sports' director of cricket and NFL, Bryan Henderson, MCC chief marketing officer Katie Maier, Take Her Lead founder and former England bowler Isa Guha, and veteran broadcasters Alison Mitchell and Georgie Heath, praised the overall quality of the showreels and selected Rosa as the winner. Rosa, a journalism student at Cardiff University originally from Warwickshire, fell in love with cricket at the age of nine when her sister Mae took her to an Edgbaston match featuring Warwickshire. She earned ECB media accreditation at 16 and launched her own platform, Rosa Talks Ball, while still in school.
Since then she has co‑hosted and produced the weekly "Two Tiers Deep" podcast with Northamptonshire cricketer Chloe Hill, a series that delves into every tier of the women's game. She also founded TIERED, the first monthly magazine dedicated exclusively to women's county cricket. Reflecting on her experience at The Hundred final, Rosa said, "Broadcasting live from the field with the Sky Sports team was an unforgettable experience. This competition, in partnership with MCC and Take Her Lead, has already opened doors for me—from filming behind the scenes at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge with Take Her Lead, to visiting Sky HQ, to media interviews, podcasts, and ultimately my prize at Lord's with the Sky Sports crew.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next in the world of broadcasting." Bryan Henderson, Sky Sports' director of cricket and NFL, added, "We are delighted to support this fantastic initiative once again. The record 50 entries this year highlight how vital the competition has become. Over the past three years the programme has helped launch several talented women into the sports broadcasting arena. Rosa is a genuine talent, and we were proud to have her on‑screen for our Hundred final coverage." Isa Guha, founder of Take Her Lead, commented, "Rosa has consistently demonstrated talent, curiosity and professionalism throughout the programme.
We have no doubt she has an incredibly bright future ahead and we look forward to continuing our support on her broadcasting journey." The Hundred final, broadcast live on Sky Sports, featured thrilling moments from both the women's and men's matches, with each side ultimately claiming their respective titles. Sky Sports also offers a range of other live cricket action, including domestic leagues, international tours, and women's competitions, all available through its streaming service without a long‑term contract. The partnership between MCC, Sky Sports and Take Her Lead continues to grow, providing aspiring female broadcasters like Rosa Simkin with valuable exposure, mentorship, and real‑world experience that can shape the future of cricket media.