The ICC has officially announced that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be officiated by an all-female match official team from June 12 in England and Wales. There are 14 umpires and four match referees to cover 33 fixtures during the tournament. This will be the third straight Women’s T20 World Cup to have a completely female umpiring panel, following the 2022 edition.
The tournament opens at Edgbaston in Birmingham and has been billed as the biggest women’s sporting event in the world. With an expanded format running 33 matches, the demand for experienced officials is higher than ever, and the ICC has responded with a panel that combines proven names and fresh faces.
Four Umpires to Make Their Women’s T20 World Cup Debut
Four officials have been promoted to make their first appearance at the Women’s T20 World Cup. Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and Shathira Jakir Jesy will all step onto the international stage at this level for the first time. All four were part of the officiating setup at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. This gave them the exposure and assessment required to earn these positions.
Their inclusion is a reflection of the growing depth of suitably qualified female officials across world cricket. The ICC has consistently stated that selections are based on performance data, decision-making records, and overall conduct during bilateral series and ICC events. These four officials met those standards.
Claire Polosak Leads an Experienced Returning Group
Australian umpire Claire Polosak stands out as the most experienced official in the panel. This will be her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup, having already officiated in 22 matches at the tournament. No other umpire comes close to that record on this stage.
Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton are also set to reach a notable milestone. Both have stood in 19 matches at the Women’s T20 World Cup and will reach five tournament appearances in England and Wales. Nine officials from the 2024 edition of the tournament have returned for this year’s event, providing continuity in officiating standards.
On the match referee side, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira return from the 2024 panel. New Zealand’s Trudy Anderson completes the group of four referees.
ICC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Cricket Representation
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta spoke about the selection, saying the panel reflects the governing body’s commitment to expanding representation across all areas of the sport. He pointed to the high standards shown during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as a key factor in these appointments and described the upcoming tournament as the biggest women’s sporting event in the world.
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins on June 12 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Umpires
Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams, Gayathri Venugopalan.
Match Referees
Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.
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