The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a groundbreaking decision for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup. For the first time in the 52-year history of the tournament, all the match officials and umpires will be women. While women officials have previously been part of the Commonwealth Games and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2022, this is the first instance of an all-women umpiring panel being appointed for the ODI World Cup.

A total of 14 umpires will officiate in the tournament starting September 30. Among them, Jacqueline Williams, Claire Polosak, and Sue Redfern will be appearing in their third World Cup, while Kim Cotton will be participating in her second. Alongside them, Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michael Perera will serve as match referees.

Calling it a historic step, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said that this all-women panel represents not only a remarkable achievement but also the ICC’s commitment to promoting equality in cricket. He expressed confidence that this initiative would open new dimensions of success in women’s cricket.

The 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, beginning with the opening clash between the two host nations. Ahead of the tournament, the Indian women’s team will take on Australia in a three-match ODI series in Chandigarh, scheduled for September 14, 17, and 20.