DUBAI: Seven female neutral umpires are set to manage across the ICC Women’s Championship series, receiving match-day pay equivalent to that of umpires on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Marking a historic moment, Sue Redfern has been appointed as the first International Cricket Council-designated female neutral umpire to supervise in a bilateral series. Her role will encompass the upcoming ICC Women’s Championship and T20I fixtures featuring Australia and South Africa.
The decision to appoint one neutral umpire for all ICC Women’s Championship series and associated T20I matches is part of the ICC’s commitment to introducing an element of neutrality while fostering the long-term development of female umpires. Wasim Khan, the ICC’s General Manager of Cricket, terms this as a significant development, opening up more opportunities for women in umpiring.
Describing the move as a watershed moment for women’s cricket, Khan highlights the implementation of a female match officials’ pathway program and the acceleration of officiating opportunities for top performers. The introduction of neutral appointments aims to provide female umpires exposure to diverse conditions, supporting the learning and development of local female umpires working alongside them.
The ICC will prioritize female officials for the role of neutral umpires in the ICC Women’s Championship series. Appointed female umpires will receive match-day pay parity with their male counterparts on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, along with comparable perks. The selection of female neutral umpires will be based on merit, with a strategic ambition to enhance the involvement and visibility of women both on and off the field within the game.
Sue Redfern, expressing confidence in her appointment, believes it will serve as a catalyst to build momentum and contribute to the growth of female match officials in cricket.
“It’s an honour to be named by the ICC as its first official female neutral umpire and I’m very excited about the upcoming series between Australia and South Africa.
“This is a defining moment for both women’s cricket and female cricket officials, who have worked hard and been given development opportunities in recent years.
“I’ve seen the landscape evolve for female officials and how many are now being recognized and supported across many countries. I am sure this appointment can help build momentum and visibility to help further develop female officials across the world in the future.
“Personally, I would like to thank the ICC and the ECB for their support over the years and I look forward to more such appointments.”
Between 1995 and 1999, Redfern participated in six Tests and 15 ODIs for England, which included four appearances in the 1997 World Cup in India. Since 2016, she has been a part of the ICC Development Panel of Umpires. Notably, Redfern has officiated in two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups (2017 and 2022) and three ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2018, 2022, and 2024).
Bilateral T20I series:
1st T20I, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 27 January
2nd T20I, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 28 January
3rd T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 30 January
ICC Women’s Championship:
1st ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 3 February
2nd ODI, North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 7 February
3rd ODI, North Sydney Oval, Sydney, 10 February
