The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named a panel of 10 umpires and three match referees to officiate the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place from April 9 to 19 in Lahore, Pakistan.
Ali Naqvi, Shandre Fritz, and Trudy Anderson have been appointed as match referees, while the umpiring panel includes Faisal Khan Afridi, Saleema Imtiaz, Sarah Dambanevana, Masudur Rahman Mukul, Shatira Jakir Jesy, Donovan Koch, Babs Gcuma, Candace La Borde, Dedunu de Silva, and Shaun Haig.
Saleema Imtiaz, the mother of Pakistan women’s all-rounder Kainat Imtiaz, made history last year as the first Pakistani woman to join an ICC panel of umpires after her nomination to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. “This isn’t just a win for me, it’s a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport,” she said.
Sarah Dambanevana became the first female Zimbabwean umpire to officiate in a Cricket World Cup final during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 and was also the first female umpire to stand in a Zimbabwean domestic men’s fixture.
Masudur Rahman Mukul has been a regular official at ICC events, including the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2020 and 2024. Meanwhile, Shatira Jakir Jesy, a former Bangladesh women’s international cricketer, is set to make her umpiring debut in the tournament.
Donovan Koch, encouraged by elite umpire Richard Kettleborough during his playing stint in England, has also been selected for the panel.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our appointed match officials as they oversee this crucial tournament—the final step for teams on their path to the World Cup. Our officials are experienced and well-prepared, and we look forward to their participation in this event,” said Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, in a statement on Thursday.
The sixth edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers will feature four full-member teams—Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, and the West Indies—competing alongside associate nations Scotland and Thailand in a 15-match tournament. The top two teams will secure a spot in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place later this year in India.
(With IANS inputs)
