India’s GS Lakshmi is all set to create history as the first female match referee to oversee a men’s One Day International match. She will officiate in the opening match of the third series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 on December 8 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. This is her second feat this year, following her appointment as the first woman onto the ICC International Panel of Match Referees earlier this year in May. She has now officiated three women’s ODI matches, 16 men’s T20 Internationals and seven women’s T20 Internationals so far.

GS Lakshmi was happy of her achievement. She said, “It feels great, having anything assigned ‘first’ to your name gives me a sense of pride. This being a big ICC event (ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2) it feels great to be officiating at this level.”

“I played cricket with my brothers and friends, when they (the college) saw my skills, I had a natural bowling action, they immediately accepted me to the college and I then played for my state in domestic cricket for 18 years,” she further added.

GS Lakshmi is hopeful that other women will also follow her footsteps in future.

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“These qualification events provide a good platform to prepare officials and provide them opportunities to gain valuable experience. I hope my promotion to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees and records like this can inspire many females. This is definitely another career opportunity for women,” he said.

ICC Senior Manager Adrian Griffith — Umpires and Referees said: “Congratulations to GS Lakshmi on becoming the first women match referee to oversee a Men’s One Day International. It is thoroughly deserved and highlights the wonderful opportunities there are for females in cricket officiating.”