Four umpires will make their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup debut when the tournament starts on June 12 in Edgbaston.
Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and Shathira Jakir Jesy will officiate for the first time in this tournament in England and Wales next month.
The appointment of an all-female ICC International Panel of Match Officials for the third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup highlights the growth of women’s Cricket and the ICC’s aim to promote excellence in all aspects of the sport.
The rise of skilled female match officials in international cricket reflects significant progress, with consistent high performance in various series contributing to their selection for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
This group, which also includes officials appointed for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, joins 14 umpires and four match referees overseeing a record 33 matches in this 10th edition of the women’s T20 event, starting June 12 in Birmingham.
Nine officials from the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will return, including Claire Polosak, who will officiate in her sixth T20 World Cup. She has been part of 22 matches in the tournament, the highest number by any umpire.
Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, each with 19 matches at this level, will reach their fifth T20 World Cup milestone.
The match referee team includes three returning officials: Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira, along with Trudy Anderson from New Zealand.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta stated,
“This match officials panel for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 shows our commitment to increasing representation in the sport. We carefully assess our officials based on a thorough evaluation of their decision-making skills.
“We are pleased to recognize the progress made by these officials and the high standards they displayed during ICC CWC 2025. As we approach the largest women’s sporting event, their selection will enhance the significance of the competition.”
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 ICC International Panel of Match Officials:
ICC International Panel of Umpires:
Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams, Gayathri Venugopalan
ICC International Panel of Match Referees:
Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira