“The ICC has included three former Indian cricketers in its first all-women panel of officials for the Women’s World Cup.”

“India and Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, will kick off the tournament with a match in Guwahati on September 30.”

“On Thursday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that an all-women team of match officials will oversee the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. This will be the first time in the tournament’s history that only female officials manage the entire edition.”

“Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka will kick off the tournament with a match in Guwahati on September 30. The ICC noted that while all-female officiating panels were used at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the last two ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, this edition marks the first time the Women’s ODI World Cup will feature an all-women panel of officials.”

“Former India players Vrinda Rathi, N Janani, and Gayathri Venugopalan feature in the umpiring panel. GS Laxmi, the first-ever female match referee and also a former Indian cricketer, joins the four-member match referee team. Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams, and Sue Redfern will officiate in their third Women’s World Cup, while Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton return for their second, the ICC said.”

“ICC Chairman Jay Shah called the all-women panel of match officials a major milestone and a strong example of the ICC’s firm commitment to promoting gender equity in cricket.”

“This development is more than just symbolic — it’s about increasing visibility, creating opportunities, and establishing meaningful role models to inspire future generations. Eight teams will compete in the tournament across five venues, including Colombo, with the event set to conclude on November 2.”

Officials:

Match referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.

Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Candace la Borde, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaste, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Gayathri Venugopalan, Jacqueline Williams.