Top 13 Best Female Cricket Umpires in the World
The best female cricket umpires in the world are recognized for their expertise and professionalism in the sport. Some of the top female cricket umpires include Claire Polosak from Australia, who became the first female umpire to officiate in a men’s one-day international match, and Kathy Cross from New Zealand, who has umpired in numerous ICC Women’s World Cup matches.
Other notable female cricket umpires include Jacqueline Williams from the West Indies, Eloise Sheridan from Australia, and Lauren Agenbag from South Africa.
What is Umpiring in Cricket?
Umpires in cricket play a crucial role in the game by making important decisions on the field. These decisions include determining whether a batsman is out or not out, whether a delivery is legal or illegal, and whether a fielder has caught the ball cleanly or not. Additionally, they are responsible for making decisions regarding the state of the pitch and weather conditions, which can significantly impact the playing conditions.
Umpires must have a thorough understanding of the rules of cricket, as well as sound judgment, communication skills, and the ability to remain impartial and calm under pressure.
The Rise of Female Umpires in Cricket
Women’s participation in cricket umpiring has significantly increased in recent years, owing to more excellent opportunities, diversity and inclusion, and the recognition of women’s unique skills and qualities in umpiring.
Although there has been progress, cricket still has a considerable way to go in achieving gender equality. Women continue to be underrepresented in various aspects of the sport, such as coaching, administration, and media coverage. However, the rise of female umpires is a positive sign of progress, and the sport is becoming more diverse and inclusive.
In recent years, female umpires have seen a noticeable increase officiating at cricket matches. This trend has brought about a significant change in the traditionally male-dominated field of cricket umpiring. With the rise of female umpires in cricket, there has been a shift in the perception of gender roles in the sport. This change has also led to a greater recognition of the abilities and talents of female umpires, as they have demonstrated their competence and expertise in this area.
Top 13 Female Cricket Umpires in the World
Here are the top 5 female cricket umpires in the world who are breaking barriers and leading the way:
- Kathy Cross
Kathy Cross is a former Scotland international cricketer who became an umpire after retiring. She debuted as an umpire in 2015 and has since gone on to officiate in many high-profile matches, including the Women’s World T20 in 2018.
- Claire Polosak
Claire Polosak is an Australian umpire who has made history by becoming the first. Female umpire to officiate in a men’s one-day international match. She has also umpired in the Women’s T20 World Cup, the Women’s Big Bash League, and the Men’s Big Bash League. Claire has officiated matches since 2007 and has served as an umpire in the 2018 Women’s World T20 final.
- Sue Redfern
Sue Redfern is a former England international cricketer who became an umpire after retiring from playing. She debuted as an umpire in 2015 and has since gone on to officiate in several high-profile matches, including the Women’s World Cup in 2017.
- Jacqueline Williams
Jacqueline Williams is a West Indian umpire who has officiated in several women’s cricket matches, including the Women’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s Big Bash League. She debuted as an umpire in 2011 and has been a regular fixture in international cricket since then. In 2019, she became the first woman to officiate in a men’s international match in the Caribbean Premier League.
- Lauren Agenbag
Lauren Agenbag is a former South African international cricketer who became an umpire after retiring from playing. She debuted as an umpire in 2017 and has since gone on to officiate in some high-profile matches, including the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020.
- Shamshad Begum:
Shamshad Begum, an Indian cricket umpire, has overseen multiple international matches, including two WODIs and three WT20Is. In 2019, she was selected as one of only four female umpires for Scotland’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament.
- Mary Waldron:
She is an Irish cricket umpire and former player who has officiated one WODI and three WT20Is.
Kathy Cross:
Kathy Cross is a former New Zealand cricketer who has become a leading umpire in the women’s game. She has officiated in several women’s cricket matches, including the Women’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s Big Bash League. Kathy has also umpired in men’s domestic cricket in New Zealand and is known for her excellent decision-making skills and calm demeanor.
- Anna Harris:
Anna Harris is not a well-known female cricket umpire in the world. However, many notable female cricket umpires have significantly impacted the sport, including Claire Polosak from Australia, Jacqueline Williams from the West Indies, and Kathy Cross from New Zealand. These umpires have broken down gender barriers and demonstrated their expertise in officiating cricket matches at the highest level.
- Lauren Agenbag:
Lauren Agenbag is one of the female cricket umpires in the world. She is from South Africa and has been involved in cricket since childhood. Agenbag has been umpiring since 2014 and has officiated in various international matches, including the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018. She is known for her sharp decision-making skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Agenbag is a trailblazer for women in cricket umpiring and has inspired many young girls to pursue their sports dreams.
- Eloise Sheridan:
Eloise Sheridan is one of the few female cricket umpires in the world. She hails from Australia and has been a member of the . International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Development Panel of Umpires since 2018. Sheridan has officiated in various domestic matches in Australia, including the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
- Kim Cotton
Kim Cotton is a former New Zealand cricketer who has become one of the most. Respected umpires in the women’s game. She has officiated in several Women’s T20 World Cups and was part of the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final umpiring panel.
What Makes a Great Umpire?
A great umpire must thoroughly understand the game’s rules, sound judgment, communication skills, and the ability to remain impartial and calm under pressure.
In addition, a great umpire must also be able to build rapport with the players and other officials on the field and make decisions quickly and confidently.
FAQs
Jacqueline Williams, a West Indian umpire. Became the first woman to officiate in a men’s international match in the Caribbean Premier League in 2019.
G S Lakshmi, an Indian umpire.Became the first woman appointed to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees in 2019.
Becoming an umpire in cricket can vary depending on the level of umpiring you wish to do.
However, becoming a female umpire in cricket typically involves completing a training program and gaining experience through officiating at lower-level matches.
Sue Redfern, a former English cricketer, is one of the most experienced female cricket umpires, officiating in several women’s cricket matches.
The third umpire in cricket is responsible for reviewing decisions made by the on-field umpires using video technology. They can also decide on run-outs and stumpings if the on-field umpires are unsure.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of female umpires in cricket. However, the exact figure is unknown.
Conclusion
The rise of female umpires in cricket is a positive sign of progress towards greater gender equality.
All the female umpires have immense skill, dedication, and passion for the sport. They have broken barriers, made history, and earned players, officials, and fans’ respect and admiration.
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