The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed an all-female officials lineup for the ODI World Cup, which starts later this month in India and Sri Lanka, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, insisting that it was more than just a symbolic gesture.
On September 30, India and Sri Lanka, the tournament’s joint hosts, will square off in Guwahati.
Former Indian cricketers Vrinda Rathi, N Janani, and Gayathri Venugopalan are on the umpiring panel. The four-member match-referee panel will include G.S. Laksmi, a former Indian cricketer and the first-ever female match referee.
According to the ICC, the troika of Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams, and Sue Redfern will officiate their third women’s World Cup event. Kim Cotton and Lauren Agenbag will also be present at their second event.
“The inclusion of an all-women panel of match officials is not only a major milestone but also a powerful reflection of the ICC’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity across cricket,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.
“This development goes beyond symbolic value. It is about visibility, opportunity, and the creation of meaningful role models who can inspire future generations.”
Eight teams will battle it out across five venues, including Colombo, with the tournament 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
