The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the names of the match officials who will oversee the league matches of the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. For the first time in history, all appointments have been made from a panel of female referees and umpires, marking a major milestone for women’s cricket.
In total, the tournament will feature 4 match referees and 14 umpires, ensuring a strong representation of women in officiating roles at the global level.
Opening Match Officials Confirmed
The tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played in Guwahati on September 30, will have Claire Polosak (Australia) and Eloise Sheridan (Australia) standing as the on-field umpires. Their selection reflects ICC’s commitment to promoting experienced female officials in high-profile matches.
Pakistan’s First Match Assignments
Pakistan’s first group-stage match will take place on October 2 against Bangladesh. For this contest, Lauren Agenbag (South Africa) and Nimali Perera (Sri Lanka) have been appointed as the on-field umpires.
Their inclusion adds further diversity to the officiating team, with officials representing different cricketing nations across the globe.
Tournament Schedule and Hosting
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from September 30 onward. The league stage will see top international teams battle it out, with each match now set to be supervised by an all-women officiating panel—an achievement that underscores the growth and recognition of women’s cricket worldwide.
Why This Announcement Matters
This move by the ICC not only ensures fair play and professionalism but also provides an inspirational pathway for young women aspiring to become match officials. It highlights the growing opportunities in cricket beyond playing, encouraging female participation at every level of the sport.
