The International Board of Cricket is chalking a roadmap to bring women into its panel of umpires. The panel currently only has men in it. This decision comes after the ICC has success conducted a Women’s T20 World Cup with all women match-officials team. ICC is now looking to have women umpires officiating in men’s international games as well.
ICC intends to make umpiring gender-neutral in cricket. Their first order of business is to have more women to officiate in some of the men’s bilateral matches. According to a source from the ICC, the objective is that the Elite panel can have both men and women on it. They will also be supported by opportunities being provided for members in their home matches.
Taking a leaf from the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar where women officiated matches successfully, the ICC also aspires to have women officiating in men’s ICC events. As of now, the ICC has two panels of umpires—Elite and International. Currently, the board that hosts the event appoints umpires for women’s international bilateral matches.
According to details mentioned by a leading Indian daily, the plan is currently in nascent stage. In all likelihood, it will be discussed in the upcoming ICC cricket committee meeting.
