Teenage sisters hope to hit Dragons for six

Two teenage entrepreneurs are stepping up to the crease on national television to showcase a cricket brand designed exclusively for women and girls.

Sisters Honor and Cat Black, founders of women’s sports brand Maiden Cricket, will pitch their business on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den on August 27.

The pair launched Maiden in 2024 after becoming frustrated at having to play cricket in clothing and equipment primarily designed for men.

Having experienced how ill-fitting kit and limited choice could affect confidence and enjoyment of the sport, they set out to create purpose-built clothing, teamwear and equipment specifically for female players.

In just two years, Maiden has grown into a national brand working with cricket clubs, schools, universities and county boards across the UK.

It is supported by a community of more than 300 ambassadors, ranging from grassroots players to professionals including Alex Hartley and Mia Rogers.

Alongside its commercial growth, Maiden is working to improve access to suitable equipment by providing kit to schools and grassroots teams.

The initiative aims to remove barriers to participation as the number of women and girls taking up cricket continues to increase.

Honor and Cat will now take their ambitions into the Dragons’ Den boardroom, presenting their vision for a sport where female players have access to appropriate kit at every level.

Their appearance comes as the sisters look to build on Maiden’s early growth and increase its impact from grassroots cricket through to the professional game.

Honor said: “Walking into the show was one of the most nerve-racking experiences we’ve ever had. 

“We knew we had to stand behind what we’ve built and explain clearly why women’s cricket needs better-designed kit. 

“It was a huge opportunity to put that argument in front of a national audience.”

Cat added: “Maiden started because we were tired of girls having to compromise on kit that wasn’t made for them. 

“Everything we’ve built is about changing that and making sure female players have products that work for them, not adapted versions of men’s gear.”

Nicole Muller, mentor and business lead at Maiden Cricket, added: “Seeing Honor and Cat presenting Maiden on such a major platform is a proud moment. 

“The reaction reflects both the growth of women’s cricket and the demand for products designed specifically for female players.”

The episode will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm on Thursday, August 27.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.