The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just a few days away from starting. On Thursday, May 28, the apex cricket body – the International Cricket Council (ICC) – announced the match officials for the tournament. The marquee event, which will stage its tenth edition from June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales, will feature an all-female panel for the third straight time.
While a similar scene was witnessed in the previous edition in 2024, this year’s event will also see an all-female panel of match officials as the ICC eyes expanding the scope of representation in all facets of the game. The tournament will see 14 umpires and 4 match referees officiate across the 33 fixtures.
“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. The ICC takes into consideration a comprehensive, holistic, and evidence-based account while assessing its sports officials and their decision-making performance.
We are delighted to see the progress made by these officials and the elevated standards of officiating they demonstrated during ICC CWC 2025. 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,” ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said.
4 Indians in the list, including GS Lakshmi
As many as 9 members from the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup have returned this time, including 3 match referees in Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michell Pereira. Trudy Anderson from New Zealand is another addition to the match referee panel. Lakshmi, who became the first woman to be an ICC match referee in 2019, will be seen in her sixth overall ICC women’s cricket tournament.
Speaking of the officials, Australia’s Claire Polosak returns in what is her 6th appearance as the most experienced campaigner, along with Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton. Among the Indian members are Janani N, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopala, the last set to make her debut.
Match officials panel for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
- 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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