Shathira Jakir Jessy named in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 officials panel – Shathira Jakir Jessy Named to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Panel
A Historic Milestone for Bangladeshi Officiating
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled its distinguished panel of match officials for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place across the iconic grounds of England and Wales. Among the international roster of elite professionals, Bangladeshi umpire Shathira Jakir Jessy has carved out a significant milestone, becoming the sole representative from her country to be appointed for this high-profile global tournament.
An All-Female Panel of Elite Officials
Demonstrating its commitment to gender parity and the empowerment of women in sports administration, the ICC has maintained its tradition for the third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup by appointing an entirely female panel of match officials. The selection process was rigorous, ultimately narrowing down to a group of 18 highly qualified individuals, comprising 14 umpires and 4 match referees who will oversee the 33-match spectacle.
The composition of the panel reflects a balance between experience and fresh talent. While nine officials have been retained from their successful stints in the 2024 edition, four individuals are poised to make their debut on the biggest stage of T20 cricket. Joining this esteemed group of debutants are Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and, notably, Bangladesh’s own Shathira Jakir Jessy.
Rising Through the Ranks
For Jessy, this appointment is the culmination of years of dedication and precision on the field. Having already gained invaluable experience while officiating at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, her transition to the T20 format is a natural progression of her career. Her selection is being celebrated as a proud moment for the Bangladesh Cricket Board and serves as an inspiration for aspiring female umpires across South Asia.
Her presence on the panel not only highlights her individual proficiency but also signals the growing capability and visibility of Bangladeshi officials in the ICC circuit. As the sport continues to evolve, the inclusion of diverse voices and backgrounds in officiating roles remains crucial for maintaining the integrity and growth of the game.
Tournament Overview and Expectations
The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be a tightly contested affair, featuring 12 teams fighting for the ultimate prize. The tournament kicks off on June 12 and will conclude with a grand finale on July 5. Fans of Bangladesh cricket have double the reason to tune in, as the national women’s team has successfully qualified for the event after clinching the title during the qualifiers, ensuring a strong presence for the nation on both the field and the officiating podium.
Complete List of ICC Match Officials
The officiating panel represents a global effort to uphold the highest standards of the game:
- Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Anna Harris, Shathira Jakir Jessy, Kerrin Klaaste, Candace La Borde, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Suzanne Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams, and Gayathri Venugopalan.
- Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira.
As the cricketing world prepares for the summer of 2026, all eyes will be on these officials as they navigate the pressure and excitement of one of the most prestigious tournaments in the women’s game. Shathira Jakir Jessy’s participation stands as a testament to her hard work and the rising status of women’s officiating globally.
