The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an all-female Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking the third consecutive edition of the tournament to feature an entirely women-led officiating team.
The tournament, set to begin on June 12 in Birmingham, England, will see 14 umpires and four match referees oversee a record 33 matches in the expanded 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Four officials – Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and Shathira Jakir Jesy – will make their Women’s T20 World Cup umpiring debuts. All four were also part of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, earning promotion after impressive performances at international events.
Experienced Australian umpire Claire Polosak will officiate in her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup, extending her record as the most-capped umpire in the tournament’s history with 22 matches. Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton are set to reach the milestone of five T20 World Cups each.
The panel of match referees includes Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira.
ICC Chief Executive Officer said the appointments reflect the governing body’s commitment to increasing representation across all areas of cricket and recognizing officials who have consistently delivered high standards on the international stage.
The all-women panel highlights the rapid growth of women’s cricket and underscores the ICC’s efforts to showcase excellence both on and off the field at one of the biggest women’s sporting events in the world.
