ICC names two Women Umpires from India in elite panel for 2019-20

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has added two women umpires from India as the total number of women match officials across different panels has now gone up to 12.

Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi from India were named in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires on Wednesday as the announcement comes promptly after the launch of 100% Cricket, a 12-month campaign predicted to build on the momentum of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. 

The campaign was launched just prior to the ICC T20 World Cup finals where the crowd of 86,174  gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day to witness the most anticipated contest between India and Australia. The agenda of launching the campaign was to create more excitement around the women’s game ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.

Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees said:

 “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.

“I am sure Janani and Vrinda are looking forward to their time on the panel. I wish them all the best and hope they not only perform well on assignment, but continue to develop their skillset with our support as they travel along their journey.”

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Janani Narayanan, 34,  has been umpiring in Indian domestic tournaments since 2018 while Vrinda Rathi  31, a former varsity player, has kept scores in international matches, has also been umpiring in Indian domestic cricket since 2018. 

Janani Narayanan said:

“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. Cricket has become part of my daily routine since the 90s and I look forward to be associated with the sport at a higher level.

“I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI for the opportunities given and the ICC for giving me this break. I would like to thank Mr Radhakrishnan, who has been my mentor since I first started umpiring. I would also like to thank my parents who never stopped me from watching cricket on TV, my senior umpires Sai Darshan, Ashwin Kumar and all my state panel umpires, national panel umpires and referees who have helped me learn and grow.”

After her inclusion in the panel Rathi also expressed her thoughts as she said: 

“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.

“Having played cricket and also officiated as a scorer, this was a natural progression for me and I am happy at the way things have unfolded.

“I am thankful to the BCCI for backing me over the years and to the ICC for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family, colleagues and mentors for all the help and support over the years.”

The other women match officials in the ICC panel are: GS Lakshmi, Shandre Fritz (International Panel Match Referees); Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Mary Waldron, Jacquline Williams (all International Panel of ICC Development Umpires).