The ICC has once again reinforced its commitment to expanding opportunities for women in cricket administration and officiating by announcing an all-female panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
The upcoming tournament, which begins on June 12, will feature 14 umpires and four match referees officiating across 33 matches. It marks the third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup to operate with an entirely female officiating group, a significant step in the continued professional growth of women’s cricket beyond just the playing arena.
While experienced names continue to anchor the panel, the 2026 edition also introduces four officials preparing for their Women’s T20 World Cup debut. Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste and Shathira Jakir Jesy have all been included for the first time.
The appointments reflect a broader shift within world cricket, where pathways for female officials are steadily becoming stronger and more visible. Over the last decade, women umpires and referees have increasingly featured in major ICC tournaments, bilateral series and franchise competitions, helping establish a deeper pool of experienced match officials.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta described the latest panel announcement as part of the governing body’s wider vision for representation across all areas of the sport. “This panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 reflects the ICC’s commitment to expanding the scope of representation to all facets of the sport,” Gupta said.
The selection process, according to the ICC, remains heavily performance-based, with officials assessed on consistency, decision-making standards and overall match management throughout the international calendar. “The ICC takes into consideration a comprehensive, holistic, and evidence-based account while assessing its sports officials and their decision-making performance,” Gupta added.
Australia’s Claire Polosak enters the tournament as the most experienced umpire in the group. The 37-year-old is set for her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup appearance and has already officiated in 22 matches across previous editions. Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton will also reach major milestones during the tournament, with both officials preparing for their fifth Women’s T20 World Cups after standing in 19 matches each.
The match referee panel retains considerable experience as well. Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michell Pereira all return after featuring in the 2024 edition, while New Zealand’s Trudy Anderson completes the four-member group.
The Women’s T20 World Cup arrives during a period of rapid growth for the women’s game globally. Crowds, broadcast audiences and commercial investments have all increased significantly in recent years, while ICC tournaments continue receiving greater visibility and larger financial backing. Gupta believes the standard of officiating has evolved alongside the sport’s overall growth. “We are delighted to see the progress made by these officials and the elevated standards of officiating they demonstrated during ICC CWC 2025,” Gupta said.
The ICC also views the panel as symbolic of a changing cricket landscape where women are increasingly occupying influential roles across every level of the game. “As we prepare to deliver what will be the biggest women’s sporting event in the world, this selection will serve to elevate the meaning associated with the athletic spectacle,” Gupta said.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match Officials:
Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams, Gayathri Venugopalan
Match Referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira
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