ICC sets new standard: Women take charge as officials in ODI World Cup 2025

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will be the first major ICC tournament officiated entirely by female umpires and match referees. A panel of 14 female umpires and 4 match referees has been announced.

New Delhi: The ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 will start from 30 September. Before the tournament begins, the International Cricket Council has made a historic announcement by announcing that in this major ICC event will be officiated entirely by female umpires and match referees. This is first time where all female umpire will officiate the all matches.

18 Female Officials Confirmed

The ICC has named 14 female umpires and 4 female match referees who will oversee the matches throughout the tournament. This group includes experienced officials, some of whom have even officiated in men's games before.

ICC announces all female officials for Women's ODI World Cup 2025@ICC #WomensODIWorldCup #CricketNews #FemaleUmpires pic.twitter.com/XFzYn3XqYO

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) September 11, 2025

Match referees named:

• Trudi Anderson
• Shandre Fritz
• GS Lakshmi
• Michelle Pereira

Umpires named:

• Lauren Agenbag
• Candice LaBorde
• Kim Cotton
• Sarah Dumbanevana
• Shathira Zakir Jacy
• Karin Klaste
• Janani Ananth
• Nimalee Perera
• Clare Pollard
• Vrinda Rathi
• Sue Redfern
• Eloise Sheridan
• Gayathri Venugopal
• Jacqueline Williams

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Jay Shah’s Comments

ICC Chairman Jay Shah welcomed the move as a huge step forward for women’s cricket. He emphasized the importance of promoting women not only as players but also as match officials. He said, “This decision reflects our strong commitment to gender equality in cricket.”

He added, “We are confident this initiative will inspire many more women to pursue not as a player but also careers as umpires and match referees.”

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Shah also mentioned that this is just the beginning, and the ICC plans to continue supporting women in all aspects of the game going forward.

A Historic Moment For Women's Cricket

This great decision sends a powerful message of equality and opportunity in sports. By appointing an all-female umpiring panel for such a major event, the ICC is encouraging young girls and women around the world to think about careers beyond sport, including umpiring and cricket administration. The Women's ODI World Cup 2025 will not only showcase top-class cricket, but also highlight the growing influence and recognition of women across all roles in the sport.