As the highly anticipated ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup gears up to begin in Malaysia on January 18, 2025, a stellar lineup of match officials is poised to make this tournament a memorable affair.
Among the officiating panel is Bangladesh’s Shathira Jakir Jessy, a trailblazer in cricket officiating. Jessy, a former bowler for Bangladesh, became the first female umpire appointed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Having officiated at the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, she now adds another milestone to her career by officiating at this prestigious event.
A Diverse Roster of Talent
Jessy will join a roster of experienced professionals, including Candace La Borde and Dedunu De Silva, who officiated the final of the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, where India claimed the championship title.
South Africa’s Kerrin Klaaste, one of the youngest umpires at just 26 years old, returns for her second appearance in the tournament. Joining the officiating panel for the first time are India’s Narayanan Janani and Gayathri Venugopalan. These trailblazers made history as the first women to officiate in men’s domestic cricket in India, alongside Vrinda Rathi. Qatar’s Shivani Mishra, the first female on-field umpire in a men’s T20I, further enhances this remarkable lineup.
Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager for Umpires and Referees, lauded the inclusivity and potential of the group:
“Congratulations to the umpires and match referees who have been selected to this event. These individuals have earned their place by performing well in bilateral cricket. It is a wonderfully diverse group, just like the game they represent. Similar to the players at this event, these officials have been identified as having high potential. We are confident that they will perform well and that some will progress to officiate at the higher levels of the game.”
The Complete Lineup
The officiating panel consists of 20 umpires and four match referees, representing cricketing nations such as Qatar, Ireland, USA, and Oman. Key names include:
- Umpires: Shathira Jakir Jessy (Bangladesh), Gayathri Venugopalan (India), Narayanan Janani (India), Kerrin Klaaste (South Africa), Shivani Mishra (Qatar), Dedunu De Silva (Sri Lanka), and Candace La Borde (West Indies).
- Match Referees: David Gilbert (Australia), Dean Cosker (England), Trudy Anderson (New Zealand), and Reon King (West Indies).
The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup: A Brief Overview
The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup is a landmark event that showcases young cricket talent from around the world. The inaugural edition, held in South Africa in January 2023, featured 16 teams. India emerged victorious, defeating England by seven wickets in a dominant final.
The second edition, set to take place in Malaysia in January 2025, will also feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Each team will play every other team in their group once, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six League stage.
In the Super Six stage, teams carry forward points earned against other qualified sides, making every group-stage match critical. The top two teams from each Super Six group will then compete in the semi-finals, with the grand finale scheduled for February 2, 2025.
A Celebration of Talent and Diversity
The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 promises not only thrilling cricket action but also a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that modern cricket represents. With a lineup of pioneering officials and talented young players, this tournament is set to inspire fans worldwide and write another glorious chapter in cricket history.
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