ICC makes history: Women’s T20 World Cup to have an all-female group officiating
For the first time in the history of ICC global tournaments, an all-female panel of match officials has been announced for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. The International Cricket Council on Thursday confirmed that all match officials at the marquee tournament will be women in a historic first.
Selecting this panel was part of the governing body’s “strategic ambition of advancing the involvement and visibility of women in cricket,” an ICC statement said.
Moreover, the eighth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will have 13 female officials, surpassing the previous highest tally, reached at the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 WC 2023, where nine of 15 match officials are women. Given that, three match referees and 10 umpires will officiate the flagship women’s event in South Africa next month as part of the ICC’s strategic ambition of advancing the involvement and visibility of women in cricket.
All-female match official group announced for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023; Three Indians Included
ICC has also announced the names of all-female match official group for the tournament. Take a look here:
The match referees are GS Lakshmi (India), Shandre Fritz (South Africa) and Michell Pereira (Sri Lanka).
The on-field and TV umpires will be Sue Redfern (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).
Wasim Khan, the ICC General Manager – Cricket, reflected on the historic move.
“We are thrilled to announce this panel of match officials for the Women’s T20 World Cup. Women’s cricket has been growing rapidly in recent years and as part of that, we have been building the pathways to ensure more women have the opportunity to officiate at the highest level.”
Khan said.
“This announcement is a reflection of our intent in this space and just the start of our journey where men and women enjoy the same opportunities across our sport. We are committed to continuing to support our female match officials and provide opportunities to showcase their talents on the global stage. I wish them all the best for the tournament,” he added.
The eighth edition of the women’s T20 World Cup begins with hosts South Africa facing Sri Lanka on February 10. While defending champions Australia are in Group A with Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Arica. Group B has England, India, Ireland, Pakistan and West Indies. Further, the top two teams from each group will move into the semi-finals.
Moreover, the matches will be played in Cape Town, Gqeberha and Paarl with the final scheduled for February 26 at Newlands.
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