ICC names all-female panel of match officials for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled an all-female panel of match officials for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3 to October 20. A total of 10 umpires and three match referees have been appointed for the ICC event.
The list of umpires includes Claire Polosak, who was part of the previous four Women's T20 World Cup events. Jacqueline Williams and Kim Cotton will be officiating in the marquee tournament for the fourth time. Williams and Cotton were the on-field umpires for the 2023 final played between Australia and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.
Further, Sue Redfern, the third umpire in the 2023 T20 Women's World Cup final, is also part of the 10-member group for the upcoming edition. Zimbabwe's Sarah Dambanevana will make her Women's T20 World Cup debut as an umpire.
Releasing an official statement over the announcement, ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees, Sean Easey said (as quoted by ANI):
"The ICC is proud to be contributing to the advancement of women in our sport. To be announcing this all-female lineup of match officials for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 is wonderful."
"This group, selected as the most deserving umpires for this event following their recent form in bilateral and other cricket, are some of the very best from around the world. We are confident that they will do a great job at this event. I wish them the best of luck as they oversee the world's top women's cricketers in what will be an exciting tournament for all involved," Sean went on to add.
The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup will begin with a match between Bangladesh and Scotland in Sharjah on October 3. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the second match of the day at the same venue. A total of 10 teams will participate in the ICC event in which Australia are the defending champions.
List of umpires and match referees for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
Below is the list of umpires and match referees for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacqueline Williams, Vrinda Rathi, Sarah Dambanevana.
Match Referees: Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.