ICC announces all-female match officials for Women's T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled an all-female match officials panel for the impending 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, starting October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The historic panel comprises 10 umpires and three match referees, all women, who will supervise the ninth edition of this prestigious event. Here are further details.
Experienced officials to lead the panel
The panel includes seasoned officials such as Claire Polosak, who will officiate in her fifth Women's T20 World Cup. Kim Cotton and Jacqueline Williams will be making their fourth World Cup appearances. Sue Redfern, the TV umpire for the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final, is also returning for her fourth World Cup stint.
Newcomer and match referees for Women's T20 WC
The panel also welcomes newcomer Sarah Dambanevana from Zimbabwe, who will make her debut at this prestigious event. The team of match referees will include GS Lakshmi, who emanated her refereeing career in 2012 and stood in the 2023 final. Shandre Fritz and Michell Pereira will join the former. They will be officiating in their second Women's T20 World Cup.
ICC's commitment to promoting women in cricket
Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager for Umpires and Referees, expressed the organization's pride in appointing an all-female lineup. He stated that these officials were chosen based on their outstanding recent performances in bilateral and other international matches. "The ICC is proud to be contributing to the advancement of women in our sport," he said, emphasizing the council's commitment toward gender equality within cricket officiating.
