Shathira Jakir Jessy named in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 officials panel – Shathira Jakir Jessy Named to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Officials Panel

A New Milestone for Bangladeshi Officiating

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the list of match officials appointed for the highly anticipated 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. Hosted in the iconic cricketing nations of England and Wales, the tournament promises to be a spectacular display of talent and precision. Among the distinguished group of officials selected to oversee the matches, Bangladeshi umpire Shathira Jakir Jessy stands out, marking a significant milestone as the only representative from Bangladesh to earn a spot on this prestigious international panel.

The Commitment to Excellence

For the third consecutive edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC has maintained its commitment to progress by selecting an all-female panel of match officials. This decision continues to highlight the organization’s dedication to promoting gender diversity at the highest levels of the sport. The panel for the 2026 tournament comprises a total of 18 officials, including 14 umpires and 4 match referees, all of whom have been chosen for their expertise, experience, and ability to manage high-pressure situations on the field.

Out of these 18, nine officials are returning from the 2024 edition, showcasing the ICC’s desire to maintain a core of seasoned professionals. However, the tournament also welcomes fresh blood, with four officials making their Women’s T20 World Cup debut. Joining this elite group of newcomers are Candace La Borde, Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste, and, notably, Bangladesh’s own Shathira Jakir Jessy.

Jessy’s Rise to the Global Stage

Shathira Jakir Jessy’s appointment is the culmination of hard work and consistent performance on the domestic and international circuit. While she gained significant experience by officiating in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 T20 World Cup represents her first appearance as an umpire in this specific format on the world stage. Her inclusion is widely regarded as a moment of national pride, underscoring the growing stature of Bangladeshi cricket officials in the global arena.

Tournament Structure and Expectations

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to be a grueling and exciting test of endurance and skill, featuring a total of 33 matches. The tournament is scheduled to commence on June 12, with the grand finale set to take place on July 5. The event will feature 12 teams competing for the ultimate prize. Bangladesh’s participation is particularly significant, as the national women’s team secured their spot in the tournament after a dominant performance and successful qualification, having been crowned champions in the qualifiers.

The Full Panel of Officials

The responsibility of managing the game rests on the shoulders of an exceptional group of women. Below are the officials appointed for the tournament:

Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires:

• Lauren Agenbag
• Kim Cotton
• Anna Harris
• Shathira Jakir Jessy
• Kerrin Klaaste
• Candace La Borde
• Janani N
• Nimali Perera
• Claire Polosak
• Vrinda Rathi
• Suzanne Redfern
• Eloise Sheridan
• Jacquline Williams
• Gayathri Venugopalan

Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees:

• Trudy Anderson
• Shandré Fritz
• GS Lakshmi
• Michell Pereira

As the cricketing world turns its attention to England and Wales this coming June, all eyes will be on these officials to maintain the high standards of the sport. For Shathira Jakir Jessy, this tournament offers a massive platform to display her skills and continue paving the way for future generations of female match officials in Bangladesh and across the globe.