GS lakshmi from Rajahmundry, india has become the First Woman to be appointed to the ICC's International Panel of Match Referees. lakshmi is 51 years of age first officiated as a match referee in domestic women's cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women's ODI matches and three women's T20I matches.
The 51-year-old's appointment comes close on the heels of Claire Polosak becoming the first ever woman umpire to stand in a men's ODI. "To be selected in the international panel by the ICC is a huge honor for me as it opens up new avenues," lakshmi said after the news is revealed.
"I have had a long career as a cricketer in india and also as a Match Referee. I hope to put my experience both as a player and as a match official to good use on the international circuit. This move of the ICC is expected to bring in Gender Parity into the Game. Only in recent years, women cricket is gaining traction.
