ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Set to Boost Global Interest With Its Historic All Female Panel Of Match Officials

Published on September 11, 2025

In a groundbreaking move, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will feature an all-female panel of match officials for the first time in the tournament’s history. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to empower and elevate women in cricket. The all-female officiating team will include 14 umpires and match referees, with several well-known names in the world of women’s cricket officiating, such as Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams, and Sue Redfern. With the World Cup being hosted in India and Sri Lanka on September 30, 2025, the inclusion of this historic panel is a bold step in championing gender equality and providing inspiring role models for future generations of women in cricket. This article explores the impact of this historic achievement and its implications for the sport.

A Historic Moment for Women in Cricket

For decades, women in cricket have been pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. The ICC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion takes a giant step forward with the announcement of an all-female match official panel for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. While previous tournaments, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, have featured all-female officiating panels, this is the first time the achievement will be made in the Women’s World Cup, marking a milestone in the tournament’s history.

Kim Cotton, one of the officiating umpires, made history as the first woman to umpire a World Cup final in November 2023. Such milestones underscore the increasing visibility of women in leadership roles within the cricket world, a trend that is gaining momentum across the sport.

The All-Female Match Official Panel

The 14-strong panel of umpires and referees will showcase a wealth of experience, with many officials returning to the Women’s World Cup for the third or second time. Key members include Claire Polosak, Jacqueline Williams, and Sue Redfern, who have each officiated at multiple Women’s World Cups. Their experience will help ensure smooth operations during the tournament, bringing unparalleled expertise to the field.

In addition, Lauren Agenbag and Kim Cotton, who officiated at the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, will be making their return to the Women’s World Cup. The panel also includes rising stars such as Candace la Borde, Sarah Dambanevana, and Vrinda Rathi, all of whom are trailblazing their way into the cricket officiating world. The panel of match referees, including Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira, will bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table, further highlighting the excellence in officiating that the ICC is championing.

A Step Toward Gender Equality in Cricket

This powerful initiative will open doors for many more women to become involved in cricket officiating globally. The move is also expected to boost the profile of women’s cricket worldwide, helping to attract more young girls and women to the sport.

With the announcement, the ICC aims to create a lasting impact, motivating more women to pursue officiating careers and continue making strides toward gender equity in cricket.

Boosting Tourism and Travel to India and Sri Lanka

The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, hosted in India and Sri Lanka, is not only a historic sporting event but also an opportunity to boost sports tourism in both countries. The inclusion of the all-female panel aligns with the broader efforts to promote women’s sports and create awareness about gender equality.

For cricket fans, the World Cup promises an exciting lineup of matches, with India and Sri Lanka serving as stunning backdrops to the action. The historic nature of the event is likely to draw in a larger global audience, further fueling the travel and tourism industry. Fans attending the tournament can expect a wealth of cultural experiences alongside world-class cricket, making the World Cup a prime event for sports tourism in both host countries.

A New Era for Women’s Cricket

As the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup approaches, the inclusion of an all-female panel of match officials is a powerful reminder of the strides made in empowering women within cricket. With influential role models on the field and behind the scenes, the sport is set to continue evolving, opening doors for women everywhere to pursue their dreams in cricket. The tournament will not only showcase world-class cricket but will also highlight the importance of visibility, equality, and leadership in sports.

This momentous change will echo through the years, paving the way for more trailblazing stories and, ultimately, inspiring women to continue shaping the future of cricket.