Williams, La Borde to officiate at ICC Women’s World Cup

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

West Indies will still have a presence at the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, with umpires Candace La Borde and Jacquline Williams having been named to the Emirates ICC Panel of Match Officials.

The duo will form part of a historic, all-female panel of 14 umpires and four match referees who will officiate in the tournament, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

Williams, a Jamaican, will be officiating at her third Women’s World Cup, joining Australian Claire Polosak and England’s Sue Redfern as the most experienced members of the panel.

In 2022, Williams became the first female umpire from the West Indies to stand in a men’s T20I between two full member teams.

While she took her first steps into umpiring in 2007, she admitted that she is just as excited today as when she began her career.

“I think being selected for any world event is always a good feeling. This is my third, but I still get the same goosebumps I got when I was selected for the first. It’s the same amount of passion, excitement, and enthusiasm,” Williams said

“Whenever I step out on the field, my aim is not just to perform for myself, but to remember there’s a possibility that whatever I do will have an impact especially on female umpires coming through, especially from the region. I want to represent well to ensure that I would create a pathway for other females to come through.”

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s La Borde’s continues her rise among the region’s brightest officials.

She said it was an honour to represent Caribbean women in sport on the world stage.

“Our appointments are a good example for women in the region. ‘Jackie’ has been carrying the torch for the West Indies for several years, so to be able to follow in her footsteps is an amazing feeling, proud moment for me and my career,” La Borde said.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, hailed the announcement as an inspiring moment for Caribbean cricket.

“We are immensely proud of Candace and Jacquline. Their selections reflect years of dedication, professionalism, and passion for the game. To have two West Indian umpires on an all-female panel for a World Cup is a testament to the progress being made in creating opportunities for women in cricket, both on and off the field,” Bascombe said.