In a significant first for world cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has named an all-female panel of match officials for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.
Three match referees and 10 umpires make up the 13-woman team in what is a landmark moment and is in part of the ICC’s strategic ambition of advancing the involvement and visibility of women in cricket.
ICC General Manager - Cricket, Wasim Khan, said: “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.
ICC Manager - Women’s Cricket, Snehal Pradhan, said: “When young women and girls see it, they believe that they can be it. That’s just one of the reasons why having this match officials panel is so special.
“It shows the next generation that there is a career and a pathway that takes them to the very top of the game, the World Cup, even if you’re not a player. It shows that there are so many ways to get involved.”
The panel this time includes seven first timers at the Women’s T20 World Cup and the announcement comes after a constant rise in the number of women officiating in global tournaments.