Indian Match Officials Lakshmi and Rathi Appointed for Women's T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an all-female panel of 13 match officials for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20. Among the appointed officials are two Indian representatives: match referee G.S. Lakshmi and umpire Vrinda Rathi.

Lakshmi and Rathi were also part of the match official panel for the previous edition of the tournament held in South Africa in 2023. The current panel comprises three match referees and 10 umpires.

For the marquee India vs Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on October 6, Australia's Eloise Sheridan and South Africa's Lauren Agenbag have been appointed as on-field umpires, while Jacquline Williams of the West Indies will serve as the television umpire.

The tournament kicks off on October 3 with the opening clash between Bangladesh and Scotland, which will be officiated by Claire Polosak of Australia and Agenbag. India will begin their campaign on October 4 against New Zealand, with Williams and Anna Harris of England as the on-field umpires and Polosak as the TV umpire.

New Zealand's Kim Cotton and Agenbag will be the on-field umpires for India's game against Sri Lanka on October 9, while England's Suzanne Redfern will be the TV umpire. Redfern and Cotton will also officiate India's match against defending champions Australia on October 13, with Williams in charge of TV duty.

The umpires and match referees for the semifinals and final, to be played on October 17, October 18, and October 20 respectively, will be announced later.

The ninth edition of the tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh but was moved due to political unrest in the country. The tournament will be held across two venues in the UAE - Dubai and Sharjah.

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