DHAKA: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced that, for the first time ever, four female match officials have been selected for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015.

The matches are scheduled to take place in Bangkok of Thailand from November 28 to December 5.

Experienced New Zealander Kathleen Cross will be joined by Australia’s Claire Polosak, England’s Sue Redfern and West Indies’ Jacqueline Williams for the qualifier.

Eight sides -- Bangladesh, China, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe -- will fight out for the two available spots in the ICC World Twenty20 2016, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016 in India.
 
The trailblazing quartet’s selections are a further positive step forward, and also reasserts the ICC’s commitment to the development of the women’s game.

It is hoped that these appointments will also inspire more women to become involved in officiating and participating in the game.
 
The quartet will be joined by fellow umpires Allan Haggo and Nigel Morrison, while ICC Graeme Labrooy will be the match referee.

ICC Umpire Coach Denis Burns will also attend the week-long tournament and provide support and assistance to the match officials.
 
ICC Women’s Cricket Committee Chair Connor says: “It is a great step forward for the ICC’s overarching strategy with Members to increase the representation of women across all aspects of the game”.

Source: icc-cricket.com

BDST: 2125 HRS, NOV 25, 2015
SR