Emirates has hosted an all-women delegation of ICC match officials in Dubai ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be jointly staged in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The group, made up of 14 umpires and four match referees from 10 countries, represents the first all-female panel to officiate at a senior ICC global event. Their visit to Emirates’ headquarters highlighted the airline’s role as the ICC’s global partner and its ongoing commitment to gender equity in sport.
Speaking at the event, Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, said: “We are proud to support the first all-women team of match officials at the Women’s World Cup. This is a milestone moment for cricket and a reflection of our shared values of inclusivity and equal opportunity.”
The officials, including well-known names such as Claire Polosak, Eloise Sheridan, and Lauren Agenbag, will depart for India and Sri Lanka ahead of the tournament, which begins on September 30 in Bengaluru and concludes on November 2. The competition will feature eight teams playing 31 matches across five host cities.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the all-women officiating crew as a “defining moment” for the game, saying it sends a strong signal about the ICC’s commitment to advancing gender equity in cricket.
Emirates, a long-time partner of the ICC, provides travel and logistical support for umpires and referees at major tournaments, with its branding visible on match officials’ uniforms. The airline also backs the ICC’s “100% Cricket Future Leaders” programme, which supports the development of women in cricket.
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 marks the first time an ICC tournament will be officiated exclusively by women, a milestone expected to inspire greater participation and visibility for women in the sport worldwide.
Shopeju Olateju
NaijaTravels News
