Sathira Jakir Jessy named in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup umpire panel

Bangladesh has achieved another milestone in international cricket as Sathira Jakir Jessy has been named in the umpire panel for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 12 in England and Wales, with Jessy selected among the 14 umpires and four match referees announced by the International Cricket Council.

The former cricketer will make her debut as an umpire in the T20 World Cup, marking a significant achievement for Bangladesh cricket. However, this will not be her first experience officiating at a global event.

Last year, Jessy also officiated in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup held in India, where she performed duties as on-field umpire, TV umpire and fourth umpire — becoming Bangladesh’s first female international umpire to do so.

ICC said the all-female officiating panel is part of its ongoing initiative to increase women’s representation in cricket. This marks the third consecutive major women’s tournament to feature an entirely female panel of match officials.

Alongside Jessy, Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan and Kerrin Klaaste are also set to make their Women’s T20 World Cup umpiring debuts this year.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the officials were selected based on their strong performances and high standards displayed during previous ICC events, including the Women’s ODI World Cup.

The tournament’s officiating panel for the 33-match event will also include experienced Australian umpire Claire Polosak, who is set to appear in her sixth ICC Women’s World Cup — the most among the selected umpires this year.