Historic Move in Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will feature a historic first — an all-woman panel of match officials. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that four match referees and 14 umpires will take charge during the tournament from September 30 to November 2. This move reflects the growing commitment to gender equity in international cricket and marks a defining moment for women’s sports.
Women Match Referees Announced for Women’s ODI World Cup
The panel of referees for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 includes Trudy Anderson from New Zealand, Shandre Fritz from South Africa, GS Lakshmi from India, and Michelle Pereira from Sri Lanka. Their appointments highlight the progress in giving women a greater role in cricket officiating at the highest level.
Women Umpires to Lead On-Field Duties
A strong list of umpires will also officiate at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The names include Sue Redfern (England), Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Kim Cotton (New Zealand), Candace la Borde and Jacqueline Williams (West Indies), Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe), Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh), Kerrin Klaaste and Lauren Agenbag (South Africa), along with India’s N Janani, Vrinda Rathi, and Gayathri Venugopalan. Sri Lanka’s Nimali Perera completes the 18-member panel. Several of these officials bring prior World Cup experience, while others are making their mark on the global stage.
Significance of All-Woman Panel in Women’s ODI World Cup
According to ICC president Jay Shah, the inclusion of an all-woman officiating team is not just symbolic but a step toward visibility and opportunity. The ODI World Cup 2025 aims to showcase excellence in officiating, creating role models for aspiring female officials worldwide. This initiative is expected to inspire future generations and redefine leadership in cricket beyond gender boundaries.
Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Schedule and Venues
The 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup begins with hosts India facing Sri Lanka on September 30. Defending champions Australia meet New Zealand the following day. Matches will be played in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and Colombo. Each team will play the other seven once, with the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. The grand final is scheduled for November 2.
Conclusion: A Landmark for Women’s Cricket
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 not only promises exciting cricket but also sets a landmark in sports history. With an all-woman panel officiating the tournament, the ICC has taken a bold step toward equality. This milestone will strengthen the future of women’s cricket and inspire many more to pursue officiating
