World T20: Women Umpires to make their debut: The T20 World Cup 2016 would witness a break-through in the area of umpiring. For the first time women umpires would be rubbing shoulders with their male counterpart in this format.
Australia’s Clare Polosak and Kathy Cross of New Zealand have been named to officiate for the women’s games.
Cross, in fact, has already done duty during the Women’s World Cup in 2000, 2009 and 2013 editions. However, Polosak would be making her debut in the global event’s umpiring domain.
Polosak had earlier adjudicated in a senior men’s cricket tournament in 2015 in the capacity of third umpire in a Matador BBQ’s One Day Cup.
James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia, post her appointment, told www.cricket.com.au, “Her historic debut in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup as third umpire late last year and now featuring in such a prestigious ICC tournament is an inspiration to other aspiring female cricket umpires. Clare”s dedication and love of the game shines through as her officiating continues to go from strength to strength.”
Starting her umpiring stint at the young age of 15, Polosak told Sydney Morning Herald, “When I started umpiring at 15, I really didn”t think I”d have the opportunities that have already been presented to me at 27.”
“It”s ultimately about working your way through the pathway but at the moment I”m just concentrating on being the best I am for the game that”s in front of me.”
“If I continue to work hard the opportunities will come. There is a really good statistic that there has been more astronauts than there has been Test umpires. So it”s a very tight tunnel to get through. But like the players you always want to go to the next level if possible.”
The Group stage games begin from March 15.