DUBAI (UAE): Indian women umpires Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi were named in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires on Wednesday.
The announcement comes soon after the launch of 100% Cricket, a 12-month campaign anticipated to build on the momentum of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.
Other match officials: GS Lakshmi, Shandre Fritz (International Panel Match Referees); Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Mary Waldron, Jacquline Williams (International Panel of ICC Development Umpires).
The campaign, launched just before 86,174 people watched the final of Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day, aims to create more excitement around the women’s game ahead of Women’s World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.
“These are exciting times for women’s cricket, and it is only appropriate that we have more women officials at the international level. We will work proactively with Member Boards to give female officials the pathway needed for their growth,” said Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager.
Janani, 34, who idolizes the late David Shepherd of England and retired India umpire Srinivas Venkatraghavan, has been umpiring in domestic tournaments since 2018.
“It feels great to know that Vrinda and I have been inducted into the ICC’s development panel. This gives me the chance to learn from seniors on the circuit and improve in the years to come,” said Janani.
Vrinda, a former varsity player who has kept scores in international matches, has also been umpiring in Indian domestic cricket since 2018.
The 31-year-old was inspired to take up umpiring after watching retired woman umpire Kathy Cross of New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup 2013 and feels umpiring is a natural progression for her.
“I feel privileged to be named in ICC’s development panel as this opens new avenues for me. I am sure I will get to learn a lot from other members of the panel and look forward to future assignments,” said Vrinda. (Source: ICC-Media)
