The match officials for next month’s event have been announced, and they are a mix of youth and experience.
The 15 match officials appointed to judge the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand include a total of eight women.
On Tuesday, the umpire assignments for the 28 group matches at next month’s 50-over showcase were announced, with a mix of fresh and veteran match officials.
Shandré Fritz, a former South African allrounder, will take charge of the tournament opener on March 4 between New Zealand and the West Indies, while Lauren Agenbag and Sharfuddoula Saikat will umpire the match.
The highly-anticipated match between Australia and England on 5 March will be overseen by Jamaican Jacquline Williams and Afghanistan’s Ahmad Shah Pakteen, while New Zealand’s match against Bangladesh in Dunedin will be overseen by Australian umpire Claire Polosak and former Test quick Paul Wilson on 7 March.
The ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, Adrian Griffith, was satisfied with the balance of youth and experience within the umpiring ranks.
“We are pleased to announce that our tournament crew will include eight female match officials.” “Griffith said.
“At the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, we had six female match officials, and our steadily upward trajectory is in line with our aims and long-term vision.
“However, although we have been steadily expanding the number of female officials, no sacrifices have been made, and they all deserve to be there.”
“The appointments are made on the basis of merit, and they have risen to the top due to their ability and tenacity.
“Having a fair mix of experience is beneficial, and the amount of firsts for female officials in recent years is encouraging.”
“I wish all of the Match Officials the best of luck and am convinced that the competition will be adjudicated well.”
The pairings for the tournament’s semi-final stage will be released after the conclusion of the round-robin stage, and the decision on who will manage the final will be made after the semis.
Gary Baxter, GS Lakshmi, and Shandré Fritz were the match referees.
Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Claire Polosak, Suzanne Redfern, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Eloise Sheridan, Alexander Wharf, Jacqueline Williams, Paul Wilson. Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Claire Polosak, Suzanne Red
