New Delhi: India GS Lakshmi has become the first woman to be appointed to ICC's international games with immediate effect. Claire Polosak had become the first ever woman umpire to do umpiring in a men ODI, earlier this month.
51 year old, Lakshmi, who first officiated as a match referee in domestic women's cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women's ODI matches and three women's T20I matches.
Lakshmi in an ICC statement said, “To be selected in the international panel by the ICC is a huge honor for me as it opens up new avenues. I have had a long career as a cricketer in India and also as a Match Referee. I hope to put my experience both as a player and as a match official to good use on the international circuit.”
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Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees -hailed Lakshmi and Sheridan's appointment.
Adrian said, “We welcome Lakshmi to our panels, which is an important step forward in our commitment to encouraging women officials. It is heartening to see their progress and I am sure many more women will be inspired to follow their example.”
He also added, “We are committed to ensuring greater gender parity among our officials, but all appointments are made purely on merit.”
“Elevation is as a result of a thorough evaluation process that identifies the most talented match officials breaking through to an international level,” he added.