Story byAbtaha Maqsood read a bedtime story on CBeebies TV in 2023 [Shutterstock]BBCTue, December 16, 2025 at 8:35 AM UTC·1 min readScotland leg-spinner Abtaha Maqsood has signed a new two-year contract with Essex Women. The 26-year-old took 22 wickets in all competitions for the county in 2025, their first as a fully professional team. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShe made her Scotland debut in 2018 and has played 80 white-ball internationals so far."Abtaha's value to our team was underlined last season, taking wickets at crucial times and further growing into her role as a leader in our bowling unit," said Essex Women's performance director Danni Warren. Maqsood has also played for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. Browne named lead batting coach for Essex WomenEssex Women name Parry as head coach.