KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Three esteemed West Indian cricket officials, including former fast-bowling sensation Reon King, are set to bring their expertise to the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to captivate global cricket fans from January 18 to February 2.
King, the 49-year-old Guyanese who dazzled on the international cricket stage with 19 Test and 50 ODI appearances for the West Indies, will serve as a match referee during the tournament. King’s illustrious career now finds him in a pivotal role, helping to uphold the integrity and competitive spirit of the game.
Joining him in this prestigious capacity are Trinidad and Tobago’s Candace La Borde and Maria Abbott from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, both selected as umpires.
Trailblazers in cricket officiating
La Borde’s remarkable rise to prominence was underscored when she officiated the semi-finals and final of the 2023 U19 T20 World Cup, cementing her reputation as a leading figure in cricket umpiring. Meanwhile, Abbott has carved her place in history as the first qualified female umpire from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, an achievement that symbolizes progress and inclusion in the sport.
The trio is part of a 20-member panel of officials appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the event. Sean Easey, the ICC’s senior manager for umpires and referees, expressed his admiration for the diversity and talent within the group.
“Congratulations to the umpires and match referees who have been selected for this event. These individuals have earned selection by performing well in bilateral cricket. It is a wonderfully diverse group, just like the game that they represent,” Easey declared.
An international ensemble
He further emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent among the officiating ranks. “Similar to the players at this event, these officials have been identified as having high potential. We are confident that they will perform well and that some will progress to officiate at the higher levels of the game,” he added.
The roster of officials features representatives from a broad spectrum of cricketing nations, showcasing the ICC’s dedication to global representation. This diverse group includes officials from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, Oman, and more, underlining the unifying power of cricket across continents.
The inclusion of King, La Borde, and Abbott reaffirms the Caribbean’s contribution to cricket’s evolution, both on and off the field. Their participation in this marquee event not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of cricket enthusiasts in the region.
