BIRMINGHAM, England — The Caribbean will have a strong presence among the officials when the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup gets underway at Edgbaston on June 12, with veteran Jamaican umpire Jacqueline Williams and Trinidad and Tobago’s Candace La Borde earning places on the tournament’s distinguished all-female panel of match officials.
For Williams, the appointment represents another milestone in an already accomplished international career. For La Borde, it marks a breakthrough moment as she prepares to officiate at a Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
Veteran Williams continues remarkable World Cup journey
Few officials in women’s cricket possess a résumé as extensive as Williams’.
The highly respected Jamaican will make her fifth appearance at the tournament, placing her alongside experienced New Zealander Kim Cotton as the only officials set to reach that landmark this year.
Between them, Williams and Cotton have overseen 19 matches across previous editions of the competition, highlighting the trust placed in their judgment and consistency on the sport’s biggest stages.
Their continued involvement underscores the value of experience as the ICC prepares for another showcase event.
La Borde earns reward for steady rise
While Williams adds another chapter to an illustrious career, La Borde’s selection signals the emergence of a new generation of elite officials.
The Trinidadian is among four umpires making their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts. She is joined by Gayathri Venugopalan, Kerrin Klaaste and Shathira Jakir Jesy, all of whom strengthened their credentials during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025.
Their inclusion reflects the growing depth of officiating talent within the women’s game and the ICC’s commitment to broadening opportunities at the highest level.
ICC maintains commitment to all-female officiating team
The 2026 championship will feature an all-female Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials for the third consecutive tournament.
The move is part of the governing body’s continuing effort to recognize the rapid development of women’s cricket while ensuring that officiating standards evolve alongside the sport itself.
Williams is one of 14 umpires selected for the event, forming part of a group tasked with managing matches at the pinnacle of international women’s T20 competition.
Experienced referees round out tournament team
Supporting the umpiring panel will be a four-member team of match referees.
Returning officials Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi and Michell Pereira have all been entrusted with key responsibilities once again, while New Zealand’s Trudy Anderson completes the refereeing contingent.
Together, the officials will oversee a tournament expected to attract significant global attention as women’s cricket continues its upward trajectory.
Polosak extends record-breaking presence
Among the most experienced members of the officiating group is Australian Claire Polosak, who will stand in her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup.
Polosak already holds the distinction of having officiated more matches at the tournament than any other umpire, with 22 appearances entering the 2026 edition.
Her selection adds another layer of experience to a panel that blends proven performers with emerging talent.
ICC praises rising standards
ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta said the appointments were the result of a rigorous evaluation process designed to identify the sport’s top-performing officials.
“Comprehensive, holistic and evidence-based” assessments were used in determining the selections, Gupta noted.
He also praised the group for the quality of their recent performances, adding: “We are delighted to see the progress made by these officials and the elevated standards of officiating they demonstrated during ICC CWC 2025.”
As the countdown to the Women’s T20 World Cup continues, the inclusion of Williams and La Borde ensures that Caribbean excellence will be represented not only on the field of play, but also among those entrusted with upholding the game’s highest standards.
