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Cricket

WT20 WC: India's GS Lakshmi to be first woman referee in ICC event

WT20 WC: Indias GS Lakshmi to be first woman referee in ICC event
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By

Sarah Waris

Published: 12 Feb 2020 12:09 PM GMT

India's GS Lakshmi has been selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to referee in the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in Australia, making her the first-ever woman match referee in a global ICC event. Along with Lakshmi, a record five other women have been selected as umpires for the prestigious event that will begin from February 21, 2020.

Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern and Jacqueline Williams have been chosen to oversee proceedings on the field as umpires during the eight-team competition. Williams will be an on-field umpire along with Shaun George in the first game of the tournament that will see defending champions Australia Women taken on the Indian Eves.

This move by the ICC goes a long way in making cricket an all-inclusive sport (Image: Millenium Post)
This move by the ICC goes a long way in making cricket an all-inclusive sport (Image: Millenium Post)

India's Nitin Menon is the only Indian umpire who will stand in the World Cup. Polosak, who had become the first woman to officiate as a third umpire in a men's ODI game last year, will stand with Menon on February 22 in the match between West Indies and newcomers Thailand. That fixture will also have Lakshmi as the referee in the game. Two months ago, the Indian had become the first woman to referee in a men's ODI.

The other umpires at the tournament will be Gregory Brathwaite, Chris Brown, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere and Alex Wharf. Chris Broad and Steve Bernard will be the other referees.

"This is the largest compliment of women match officials at a single event, and the progress we have made is heartening…it is because of their skillset and hard work that they have graduated to the top level," said Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager, Umpires and Referees.

This move by the ICC goes a long way in making cricket an all-inclusive sport. Over the years, the fans have questioned the indifferent treatment towards women cricket, with the lack of live streaming and differential pay scales being matters of much debate. However, by proving that women have an equal right to play and take up cricket, the global body is sending out an inspiring message.

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