ICC unveil first ever all-female officiating line-up for Women's ODI World Cup

Dubai: Insisting that it was more than a symbolic gesture, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced an all-female officials line-up for the ODI World Cup which begins later this month in India and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will begin with a clash between joint hosts India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30.

The umpiring panel includes former India players Vrinda Rathi, N Janani and Gayathri Venugopalan, the first-ever female match referee GS Laksmi, also a former Indian cricketer, will be a part of the four-member match-referee panel.

The troika of Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams and Sue Redfern are set to officiate in their third women’s World Cup event, the ICC said, adding that Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton will be at their second such event.

"The inclusion of an all-women panel of match officials is not only a major milestone but also a powerful reflection of the ICC's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity across cricket," ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.

"This development goes beyond symbolic value. It is about visibility, opportunity, and the creation of meaningful role models who can inspire future generations."

Eight teams are competing in the tournament across five venues, including Colombo. The event will conclude on November 2.