ICC Appoints 10 Umpires and 3 Match Referees for Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan
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Synopsis
The ICC has disclosed a list of 10 umpires and 3 match referees for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore, Pakistan. The tournament runs from April 9 to 19, featuring teams from four full members and two associate nations vying for a spot in the main event in India later this year.
Key Takeaways
- ICC names 10 umpires and 3 referees for qualifiers.
- Event to be held from April 9 to 19 in Lahore.
- Top two teams will qualify for the World Cup.
- Saleema Imtiaz makes history as first Pakistani female umpire on ICC panel.
- Sarah Dambanevana breaks barriers as first female Zimbabwean World Cup final umpire.
Dubai, April 3 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed that a group of 10 umpires and three match referees will oversee the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled from April 9 to 19 in Lahore, Pakistan.
Ali Naqvi, Shandre Fritz, and Trudy Anderson will serve as match referees, while the umpiring team includes Faisal Khan Afridi, Saleema Imtiaz, Sarah Dambanevana, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Shatira Jakir Jesy, Donovan Koch, Babs Gcuma, Candace la Borde, Dedunu de Silva, and Shaun Haig.
Saleema, the mother of Pakistan women’s all-rounder Kainat Imtiaz, made history last year by becoming the first Pakistani woman to join an ICC umpires panel after being successfully nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. "This isn't just a win for me; it's a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport," she expressed.
Sarah became the first female umpire from Zimbabwe to officiate in a Cricket World Cup final during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, as well as being the first female umpire to officiate in a Zimbabwean domestic men’s match.
Meanwhile, Masudur has consistently participated in ICC events in recent years, including the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups of 2020 and 2024, while Shathira, who played in two women’s ODIs for Bangladesh, is eager for her first experience as an umpire in this tournament.
Koch was inspired to follow a career in umpiring by Richard Kettleborough during his time as an overseas professional in Sheffield, England.
"This represents an exciting opportunity for our appointed match officials, overseeing this significant tournament which is the final step for teams on their journey to the World Cup. Our officials are experienced and well-prepared, and we look forward to their participation in this event," stated Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees.
The sixth edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup qualifying tournament will feature teams from four full members – Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, and the West Indies – competing alongside associate nations Scotland and Thailand in a total of 15 matches.
The top two teams will secure qualification for the main event to be held later this year in India.
