Officiating Team Announced for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier
A distinguished panel featuring ten umpires and three match referees has been appointed to officiate the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, set to take place in Pakistan.
Host Nation Competes for World Cup Spots
Pakistan is among six nations vying for the last two qualifying spots to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in India later this year. The umpiring panel includes Faisal Khan Afridi and Saleema Imtiaz, representing Pakistan.
Groundbreaking Achievements by Saleema Imtiaz
In a historic moment in September 2024, Saleema Imtiaz became the first woman from Pakistan to join an ICC panel of umpires, earning a nomination to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires.
Upon her selection, she expressed, “This isn’t merely a victory for me; it symbolizes success for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my journey inspires countless women who dream of making their presence felt in cricket.”
Trailblazing Female Umpires Join the Panel
Joining Saleema in this groundbreaking team is the remarkable Sarah Dambanevana, who made history as the first female Zimbabwean umpire to officiate a Cricket World Cup final during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. She is also notable for being the first woman to officiate a men’s domestic fixture in Zimbabwe.
Umpires from Bangladesh Shine
The panel features two Bangladeshi umpires: Masudur Rahman Mukul and Shatira Jakir Jesy. Masudur has been a consistent presence at ICC events, including the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups held in 2020 and 2024. Shatira, who played in two women’s ODIs, eagerly anticipates her debut as an umpire in this prestigious tournament.
Diverse Umpiring Experience
Other members of the officiating team include Donovan Koch, who was encouraged to pursue umpiring by Richard Kettleborough during his time as an overseas professional in Sheffield, England. The panel also comprises Babs Gcuma, Candace la Borde, Dedunu de Silva, and Shaun Haig.
Match Referees on Standby
The match refereeing team includes Ali Naqvi (Pakistan), Shandre Fritz (South Africa), and Trudy Anderson (New Zealand).
Excitement Around the Tournament
Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, remarked, “This presents an exciting opportunity for our appointed match officials as they oversee this crucial tournament, the final step for teams aspiring to reach the World Cup.”
He further noted, “Our officials are well-equipped and experienced, and we eagerly anticipate their contributions to this event.”
Complete List of Officiating Officials
Referees
- Ali Naqvi (Pakistan)
- Shandre Fritz (South Africa)
- Trudy Anderson (New Zealand)
Umpires
- Babs Gcuma (South Africa)
- Candace la Borde (West Indies)
- Dedunu de Silva (Sri Lanka)
- Donovan Koch (Australia)
- Faisal Khan Afridi (Pakistan)
- Masudur Rahman Mukul (Bangladesh)
- Saleema Imtiaz (Pakistan)
- Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe)
- Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh)
- Shaun Haig (New Zealand)
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