History will be created on Sunday as G.S Lakshmi of India becomes the first-ever female official in history to be the match referee in a men’s One Day International game, when UAE take on USA in the third series of the ICC Men’s World Cricket League 2 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The 51-year old Lakshmi was first included as the first woman in the ICC International Panel of Match Referees in May, and first officiated in a domestic women’s cricket game back in 2008. She has thus far overseen three women’s ODI matches, 16 men’s T20 Internationals and seven women’s T20Is.
Speaking about her achievement, Lakshi said,
“It feels great, having anything assigned first to your name gives me a sense of pride. This being a big ICC event (ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2), it feels great to be officiating at this level.”
She now wants more and more women to follow her footsteps in officiating matches, as she feels it is not only a man’s job.
“These qualification events provide a good platform to prepare officials and provide them opportunities to gain valuable experience. I hope my promotion to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees and records like this can inspire many women. This is definitely another career opportunity for women.”
Lakshmi developed a liking for cricket as a young kid when she would play with her friends and brothers. She got into the college team as a bowler and even turned out for her state Andhra Pradesh in the domestic scene for 18 years. The 51-year old was a right-arm fast bowler but could bat a bit as well.
The first-ever women umpire in a men’s ODI was Claire Polosak of Australia, who was the official in the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 this year in April.
