<p>The women's T20 World Cup in South Africa next month will feature for the first time an all-female panel of match officials, the International Cricket Council announced on Friday.</p>.<p>Previous tournaments have all included a number of male umpires or match referees but for the South African event, all 13 officials -- 10 umpires and three referees -- will be women.</p>.<p>Wasim Khan, ICC's general manager - cricket, said he was "thrilled" by the appointments.</p>.<p>"This announcement is a reflection of our intent... and just the start of our journey where men and women enjoy the same opportunities across our sport," he said.</p>.<p>"We are committed to continuing to support our female match officials and provide opportunities to showcase their talents on the global stage."</p>.<p>The panel includes seven first-timers at the women's T20 World Cup and reflects a constant rise in the number of women officiating in global tournaments.</p>.<p>"It shows the next generation that there is a career and a pathway that takes them to the very top of the game, the World Cup, even if you're not a player," said Snehal Pradhan, ICC manager - women's cricket.</p>.<p>"It shows that there are so many ways to get involved."</p>.<p>The Australian Claire Polosak is the most experienced of the umpires, having officiated in every women's World Cup, T20 and ODI, since 2016.</p>.<p>England's Anna Harris is the youngest of the umpires at just 24, as she makes her debut at a major international event.</p>.<p>Match Officials at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023</p>.<p>Match Referees: GS Lakshmi (IND), Shandre Fritz (RSA), Michell Pereira (SRL)</p>.<p>Umpires: Sue Redfern (ENG), Eloise Sheridan (AUS), Claire Polosak (AUS), Jacqueline Williams (WIS), Kim Cotton (NZL), Lauren Agenbag (RSA), Anna Harris (ENG), Vrinda Rathi (IND), N Janani (IND), Nimali Perera (SRL).</p>
<p>The women's T20 World Cup in South Africa next month will feature for the first time an all-female panel of match officials, the International Cricket Council announced on Friday.</p>.<p>Previous tournaments have all included a number of male umpires or match referees but for the South African event, all 13 officials -- 10 umpires and three referees -- will be women.</p>.<p>Wasim Khan, ICC's general manager - cricket, said he was "thrilled" by the appointments.</p>.<p>"This announcement is a reflection of our intent... and just the start of our journey where men and women enjoy the same opportunities across our sport," he said.</p>.<p>"We are committed to continuing to support our female match officials and provide opportunities to showcase their talents on the global stage."</p>.<p>The panel includes seven first-timers at the women's T20 World Cup and reflects a constant rise in the number of women officiating in global tournaments.</p>.<p>"It shows the next generation that there is a career and a pathway that takes them to the very top of the game, the World Cup, even if you're not a player," said Snehal Pradhan, ICC manager - women's cricket.</p>.<p>"It shows that there are so many ways to get involved."</p>.<p>The Australian Claire Polosak is the most experienced of the umpires, having officiated in every women's World Cup, T20 and ODI, since 2016.</p>.<p>England's Anna Harris is the youngest of the umpires at just 24, as she makes her debut at a major international event.</p>.<p>Match Officials at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023</p>.<p>Match Referees: GS Lakshmi (IND), Shandre Fritz (RSA), Michell Pereira (SRL)</p>.<p>Umpires: Sue Redfern (ENG), Eloise Sheridan (AUS), Claire Polosak (AUS), Jacqueline Williams (WIS), Kim Cotton (NZL), Lauren Agenbag (RSA), Anna Harris (ENG), Vrinda Rathi (IND), N Janani (IND), Nimali Perera (SRL).</p>