The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named an all-women panel of officials for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the first time in history that a 50-over ICC tournament will be overseen entirely by female umpires and referees.
The tournament, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, will run for 33 days with 31 matches scheduled. Eight teams will contest the 13th edition of the competition, chasing the sport’s most coveted women’s trophy.
A total of 14 umpires and four referees have been appointed, all bringing extensive international experience. The umpiring group features Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Jacqueline Williams, Kim Cotton and Eloise Sheridan, while the referee panel includes Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michelle Pereira.
The move continues ICC’s efforts to promote gender equity in cricket. Similar all-women officiating panels were previously deployed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the last two Women’s T20 World Cups.
ICC officials said the decision reflects the governing body’s long-term commitment to elevating the women’s game both on and off the field.
While the cricket itself will determine the next world champion, the appointment of an all-female officiating team has already set a new benchmark in the sport’s history.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named an all-women panel of officials for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the first time in history that a 50-over ICC tournament will be overseen entirely by female umpires and referees.
The tournament, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, will run for 33 days with 31 matches scheduled. Eight teams will contest the 13th edition of the competition, chasing the sport’s most coveted women’s trophy.
A total of 14 umpires and four referees have been appointed, all bringing extensive international experience. The umpiring group features Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Jacqueline Williams, Kim Cotton and Eloise Sheridan, while the referee panel includes Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michelle Pereira.
The move continues ICC’s efforts to promote gender equity in cricket. Similar all-women officiating panels were previously deployed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the last two Women’s T20 World Cups.
ICC officials said the decision reflects the governing body’s long-term commitment to elevating the women’s game both on and off the field.
While the cricket itself will determine the next world champion, the appointment of an all-female officiating team has already set a new benchmark in the sport’s history.
