G S. Lakshmi has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed to ICC’s International panel of match referees. She will be eligible to officiate in international games with immediate effect. Claire Polosak had become the first ever women umpire to stand in men’s ODI earlier this month. Lakshmi 51 has been selected and said that she has been honoured after having a long career as a cricketer in India and also as a match referee.
She hopes to put her experience both as a player and as a match referee to good use on the International circuit. ICC Senior Manager Adrian Griffith welcomed Lakshmi and said that it is heartening see progress of women and said he was sure to see many more women as they will be inspired. He also said that appointments are made on the basis of merit and gender parity will be ensured.
