The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa will feature an all-female line-up of match officials, marking a milestone for the first time in the sport.
On Friday, the ICC announced a panel of three match referees and ten umpires, comprising officials from seven countries. The match referees are GS Lakshmi (India), Shandre Fritz (South Africa) and Mitchell Pereira (Sri Lanka). The on-field and TV umpires will be Sue Redfearn (England), Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Claire Polosak (Australia), Jacqueline Williams (West Indies), Kim Cotton (New Zealand), Lauren Agenbag (South Africa), Anna Harris. (England), Vrinda Rathi (India), N Janani (India) and Nimali Perera (Sri Lanka).
An ICC statement said the selection of this panel was part of the governing body’s “strategic ambition to advance the participation and visibility of women in cricket”.
The panel will also have the highest number of women umpires and match referees in a global ICC tournament, four more than the nine in the ongoing Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup.
ICC General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan said: “Women’s cricket has been growing rapidly in recent years and we are creating ways to ensure more women have the opportunity to officiate at the highest level.” “This announcement is a reflection of our intent in this space and the beginning of our journey to where men and women have equal opportunities in our sport.
“We are committed to continuing to support our women match officials and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents on the global stage. I wish them all the best for the tournament.”
The eighth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will begin with hosts South Africa taking on Sri Lanka on February 10. Defending champions Australia are in Group A along with Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Group B consists of England, India, Ireland, Pakistan and West Indies. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Matches will be played in Cape Town, Gkeberha and Paarl with the final taking place at Newlands on February 26.
