DUBAI (Kashmir English): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named the officiating panel including 10 umpires and three match referees featuring two Pakistani umpires, for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, set to take place at Lahore’s two venues from April 9-19.
Faisal Khan Afridi and Saleema Imtiaz will represent the host nation, Pakistan in the tournament.
This six-team tournament will determine the two teams that will qualify for this year’s ICC Women’s World Cup.
Notably, Saleema made history last year as the first woman from Pakistan to join an International Cricket Council umpiring panel.
At the time, Salima expressed her hope of inspiring a new generation of umpires in the country.
“This isn’t just a win for me; it’s a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan,” said Saleema.
“I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport,” she added.
In addition to Faisal and Saleema, the panel includes two umpires from Bangladesh, Masudur Rahman Mukul and Shathira Jakir Jesy. Zimbabwe’s Sarah Dambanevana is also part of the panel.
The panel will also feature South Africa’s Donovan Koch and Babs Gcuma, West Indies’ Candace la Borde, Sri Lanka’s Dedunu de Silva, and New Zealand’s Shaun Haig.
The appointed match referees include Ali Naqvi (Pakistan), Trudy Anderson (New Zealand) and Shandre Fritz (South Africa).
According to ICC Senior Manager for Umpires and Referees Sean Easey emphasized, the event offers an excellent opportunity for the officials to showcase their talent.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our appointed match officials, overseeing this important tournament, which is the last step for teams on the path to the World Cup,” said Easey.
“Our officials are experienced and well prepared, and we look forward to seeing them participate in this event,” he added.
World Cup Qualifier schedule
Wednesday, April 9
Pakistan vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium (Day)
West Indies vs Scotland – LCCA (Day)
Thursday, April 10
Thailand vs Bangladesh – LCCA (Day)
Friday, April 11
Pakistan vs Scotland – LCCA (Day)
Ireland vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium (Day)
Sunday, April 13
Scotland vs Thailand – LCCA (Day)
Bangladesh vs Ireland – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
Monday, April 14
Pakistan vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
Tuesday, April 15
Thailand vs Ireland – LCCA (Day)
Scotland vs Bangladesh – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
Thursday, April 17
Bangladesh vs West Indies – LCCA (Day)
Pakistan vs Thailand – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
Friday, April 18
Ireland vs Scotland – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
Saturday, April 19
Pakistan vs Bangladesh – LCCA (Day)
West Indies vs Thailand – Gaddafi Stadium (D/N)
(Day matches begin at 09:30am and day/night matches at 02:00pm local time, PST)
