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NEW DELHI: Sue Redfern is set to create history as the first ICC-appointed female neutral umpire to officiate in a bilateral series during the upcoming WT20I between Australia and South Africa.
This landmark decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) aims to ensure neutrality in women’s cricket matches, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in officiating roles.
The ICC’s move to appoint one neutral umpire for all ICC Women’s Championship series and associated T20I matches aligns with the organization’s commitment to fostering the development of female umpires.
Seven female neutral umpires will officiate across ICC Women’s Championship series, receiving match-day pay equivalent to that of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
Wasim Khan, ICC’s General Manager of Cricket, emphasized the importance of this decision in advancing opportunities for women umpires.
He stated, “This is a watershed moment for women’s cricket as we look to both implement a female match officials’ pathway programme and accelerate officiating opportunities for our very best performers.”
The introduction of female neutral umpires provides exposure to diverse cricketing conditions and supports the learning and development of local female umpires who officiate alongside them.
The move builds on the momentum generated by the first all-female match officials’ panel at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa last year.
Sue Redfern expressed her gratitude to the ICC and the ECB for their support, emphasizing the significance of this appointment for women’s cricket and female match officials.
Redfern, who played for England in Tests and ODIs between 1995 and 1999, has been on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires since 2016. Her officiating experience includes the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups (2017 and 2022) and ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2018, 2022, and 2024).
The ICC reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing female officials for neutral umpire roles in ICC Women’s Championship series. Match-day pay parity with male counterparts on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and comparable perks will be provided to the ICC-appointed female umpires, contributing to the organization’s strategic goal of enhancing women’s involvement and visibility both on and off the field.
The ICC aims to further integrate female umpires into the ICC International Panel of Umpires in the coming years as part of its broader initiatives for gender inclusivity in cricket.
(With inputs from PTI)



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