- ICC confirms first-ever all-women officials for World Cup
- Experienced umpires and referees to lead Women’s World Cup 2025
- World Cup hosted in India and Sri Lanka from September 30
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has created historic move by announcing that the next ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will be officiated entirely by an all-female panel. This landmark will make women take care of the duties of referees and referees, the first in the history of global cricket. The tournament will be played in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, with the opening match between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
For Indian readers and cricket fans, this is a moment of pride, as several Indian authorities are part of the prestigious formation. Former cricketer GS Lakshmi will serve as a match referee, becoming the first woman ever to take this role at the World Cup level. She will be joined by Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, and Michell Pereira in the four-member referee team.
India will also be strongly represented on the umpiring side, with Vrinda Rathi, N Janani and Gayathri Venugopalan joining an elite panel of international authorities. The list includes Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams and Sue Redfern, who are making their third World appearance. Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton, who previously officiated global tournaments, add more experience to the panel. New names like Candace La Borde, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaste, Nimali Perera, Eloise Sheridan and others complete training, offering a strong mix of experienced experts and emerging talents
ICC Chariman Jay Shah described this as a "main milestone" for women in the cricket, saying it is more than just a symbolic play. It reflects ICC's deepest commitment to gender equality and the creation of opportunities for women to rise as leaders in the cricket. He emphasized that visible models like these will inspire the younger generations of women to get into referees, arbitrators and other cricket careers.
The Women's ODI World Cup will feature eight teams in five iconic locations in India and Sri Lanka, including R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With the final set for November 2, the tournament promises not only the exciting cricket, but also the high quality office by a historical team of all women. This decision of the ICC shows how women's inclusion and empowerment are reshaping the future of international cricket.
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