ICC Appoints India's GS Lakshmi as First-ever Female Match Referee

Lakshmi's appointment follows close on the heels of Claire Polosak, who recently became the first female umpire to stand in a men's One-Day International.

In what comes as a matter of great pride and honour for Indian cricket, Indian referee GS Lakshmi will become the first woman referee to officiate in an International Cricket Council (ICC) event as the apex body of cricket announced the list of the match officials for the league phase of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019. Former New Zealand captain Jeff Crowe and Lakshmi are among the match officials for the tournament. ICC Elite Panel match referee Crowe had officiated in 488 international matches including three ICC Men's T20 World Cups. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, officials at the BCCI, my seniors in the cricketing circuit, my family and colleagues who have supported me over the years. I hope to live up to their expectations by doing my job to the best of my ability.” Lakshmi's appointment follows close on the heels of Claire Polosak, who recently became the first female umpire to stand in a men's One-Day International. Australia’s Eloise Sheridan has also joined compatriot Polosak on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires, which now has eight women officials. Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Sue Redfern, Mary Waldron and Jacqueline Williams are some of the other names on the panel. "We welcome Lakshmi and Eloise to our panels, which is an important step forward in our commitment to encouraging women officials. It is heartening to see their progress and I am sure many more women will be inspired to follow their example. I wish them all the best for a long and enjoyable career," said Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees.