Breaking Boundaries: Women Umpires Shine in Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match officials for the upcoming Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier. The tournament will take place in Pakistan from April 9 to 19. Six teams will compete for the final two spots in the main event.

The officiating panel consists of ten umpires and three match referees. These officials come from different countries, adding an international flavor to the tournament. Their experience and expertise will play a key role in ensuring fair play.

Pakistan's Faisal Khan Afridi and Saleema Imtiaz are among the appointed umpires. Saleema has already made history as the first Pakistani woman to join an ICC umpiring panel. Her appointment is a major milestone for women in cricket officiating. She hopes her journey will inspire more female umpires in Pakistan.

Bangladesh has two representatives—Masudur Rahman Mukul and Shathira Jakir Jesy. Zimbabwe's Sarah Dambanevana, Australia’s Donovan Koch, and South Africa’s Babs Gcuma are also part of the panel. The West Indies' Candace la Borde, Sri Lanka's Dedunu de Silva, and New Zealand's Shaun Haig complete the list.

The match referees are Ali Naqvi from Pakistan, South Africa’s Shandre Fritz, and New Zealand’s Trudy Anderson. These officials bring a wealth of experience to the tournament. Their presence ensures the highest standards in decision-making and match conduct.

Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, spoke about the significance of the appointments. He highlighted that this tournament is the final step for teams aiming to qualify for the World Cup. He praised the appointed officials for their skills and readiness for the challenge.

The Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier is not just about teams battling for a spot in the World Cup. It also showcases the increasing presence of women in cricket officiating. With pioneers like Saleema Imtiaz breaking barriers, the future looks promising for female match officials.

This tournament will serve as a platform for umpires and referees to demonstrate their capabilities on a global stage. Their performances here could open doors to future ICC events. As women's cricket continues to grow, so does the role of women in all aspects of the game, including officiating.