ICC announces all-women panel of match officials for Women's T20 World Cup

The 13-member panel marks a ‘landmark moment’ in world cricket; includes the Indian trio of G.S. Lakshmi, Vrinda Rathi, and Janani Narayanan

In a significant first for world cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on January 27 named an all-women panel of match officials, including the Indian trio of G.S. Lakshmi, Vrinda Rathi, and Janani Narayanan, for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Three match referees and 10 umpires make up the 13-woman team in what is a landmark moment, and is part of the ICC’s strategic ambition of advancing the involvement and visibility of women in cricket.

The panel includes seven first-timers. The announcement comes after different sporting events have witnessed a constant rise in the number of women officiating tournaments.

Ms. Rathi and Ms. Janani, who had earlier this month became the first women umpires to officiate in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, will be umpiring at a T20 World Cup for the first time.

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ICC general manager, cricket, Wasim Khan, said: "Women’s cricket has been growing rapidly in recent years and as part of that we have been building the pathways to ensure more women have the opportunity to officiate at the highest level.

“This announcement is a reflection of our intent in this space and just the start of our journey where men and women enjoy the same opportunities across our sport. We are committed to continuing to support our female match officials and provide opportunities to showcase their talents on the global stage."