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 Appointment for Bangladesh Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the list of match officials appointed for the prestigious 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Set to be hosted by the scenic venues of England and Wales, the tournament marks a significant chapter in the history of the sport. Among the elite list of professionals, Bangladesh’s own Shathira Jakir Jessy has carved her name into the records, standing out as the only representative from her nation to serve as an umpire on this global stage.
A Commitment to Female Leadership
For the third consecutive edition, the ICC has maintained its commitment to progress by selecting an exclusively all-female panel of match officials. This panel comprises a total of 18 highly qualified individuals, featuring 14 umpires and 4 match referees. This consistent approach underscores the ICC’s dedication to fostering gender parity at the highest level of cricket officiating.
Of the 18 officials selected, nine are returning from the 2024 edition, showcasing a blend of experience and continuity. However, the tournament also welcomes a fresh influx of talent, with four officials set to make their highly anticipated Women’s T20 World Cup debut. Joining this exclusive group of debutants are Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and, notably, Shathira Jakir Jessy.
Jessy’s Journey to the World Stage
While this marks her first appearance as an official in the T20 World Cup, Shathira Jakir Jessy is no stranger to the pressure of international cricket. She previously demonstrated her capability and composure while officiating during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India. Her steady progression through the ranks has finally culminated in this T20 World Cup selection, serving as a profound source of pride for the Bangladeshi cricketing community.
The tournament, which features a total of 33 matches, is scheduled to commence on June 12 and conclude with the grand finale on July 5. The event will showcase 12 teams, including the Bangladesh women’s national cricket team, who earned their spot after a dominant performance and championship win in the qualifiers.
The Full List of Match Officials
The officiating panel for the 2026 event includes some of the most respected names in the game. Below is the breakdown of the selected match officials:
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
- Gayathri Venugopalan
Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees
- Trudy Anderson
- Shandré Fritz
- GS Lakshmi
- Michell Pereira
As the cricket world turns its attention to England and Wales this June, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightly on the officials as much as the players. Shathira Jakir Jessy’s presence on the field serves as an inspiration to aspiring female officials across the globe and represents a significant step forward for the growth of Bangladeshi cricket on the international map.
