GS Lakshmi set to become first woman to referee in men's ODI
WIPL
Former Indian cricketer G.S. Lakshmi will become the first woman match referee to oversee a menâs ODI when she will officiate a match between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. She is the first woman to get appointed in ICC International Panel.
The opening match of the third series of the World Cup League 2 in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday will witness history being created as former Indian cricketer G.S Lakshmi will become the first woman match referee to officiate a men's ODI.
âIt feels great, having anything assigned first to your name gives me a sense of pride. This being a big ICC event (ICC Menâs Cricket World Cup League 2) it feels great to be officiating at this level,â Lakshmi said in an ICC media release according to TOI.Â
Lakshmi, 51, who first officiated as a match referee in domestic womenâs cricket matches in 2008-09, has now overseen three womenâs ODI matches, 16 menâs T20 Internationals and seven womenâs T20 Internationals.
This feat will be her second significant achievement after her appointment as the first woman onto the ICC International Panel of Match Referees in May. On her journey to become a cricketer, Lakshmi remembered her initial playing days.
âI 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.â
Lakshmi wants to inspire other women cricketers and be a role model for them in all aspect. âThese 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.â
