India’s GS Lakshmi on Tuesday became the first female to be appointed to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees.
Following close on the heels of Claire Polosak, who earlierthis month became the first ever woman umpire to stand in a men’s ODI, Lakshmiwill be eligible to referee international games with immediate effect.
Lakshmi, 51, who first officiated as a match referee indomestic women’s cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women’s ODI matches andthree women’s T20I matches.
“To be selected in the international panel by the ICCis a huge honour for me as it opens up new avenues. I have had a long career asa cricketer in India and also as a match referee. I hope to put my experienceboth as a player and as a match official to good use on the internationalcircuit,” said Lakshmi.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank theICC, officials at the BCCI, my seniors in the cricketing circuit, my family andcolleagues who have supported me over the years. I hope to live up to theirexpectations by doing my job to the best of my ability,” she added.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Eloise Sheridan has joined compatriotPolosak on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires, taking the number of women onthat panel to an unprecedented eight.Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpiresand Referees, said: “We welcome Lakshmi and Eloise to our panels, which isan important step forward in our commitment to encouraging women officials. Itis heartening to see their progress and I am sure many more women will be inspiredto follow their example. I wish them all the best for a long and enjoyablecareer.”