Candace La Borde and Jacqueline Williams, West Indies Umpires, Selected for ICC Women’s World Cup

The West Indies cricket fraternity is celebrating the selection of Candace La Borde and Jacqueline Williams to the Emirates ICC Panel of Match Officials for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30th to November 2nd. This tournament marks a watershed moment for women’s cricket, as it will be officiated entirely by women, comprising 14 umpires and four match referees. This pioneering decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) underscores a significant commitment to fostering gender equality within the sport, providing increased opportunities and recognition for women in officiating roles. The West Indies’ contribution of two highly qualified umpires to this all-female panel is a testament to the region’s dedication to developing and promoting female talent within the sport.

For Jacqueline Williams, this World Cup marks her third appearance on the global stage, placing her among the most experienced umpires in the tournament alongside Claire Polosak of Australia and Sue Redfern of England. Williams’s extensive experience and consistent performance have solidified her position as a leading figure in cricket officiating. Her journey, which began in 2007, has been marked by several milestones, including becoming the first female umpire from the West Indies to officiate a men’s T20I match between two full member teams in 2022. This achievement not only underscores her personal dedication and skill but also signifies the growing recognition and acceptance of women in roles traditionally dominated by men within the sport. Despite her considerable experience, Williams retains the same enthusiasm and passion for the game that ignited her career, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep love for the sport.

Candace La Borde’s selection to the World Cup panel represents another significant achievement for West Indies cricket. Her inclusion underscores the region’s burgeoning pool of talented female officials and signifies the success of development programs aimed at nurturing and promoting women within the sport. La Borde’s rise through the ranks has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a keen understanding of the game. Her selection to the prestigious World Cup panel is a testament to her potential and a clear indication of her promising future in cricket officiating.

The ICC’s decision to appoint an all-female officiating panel for the 2025 Women’s World Cup is a momentous occasion, marking a significant step towards gender equality within cricket. This groundbreaking move not only provides a platform for talented female officials to showcase their skills on the global stage but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female umpires and referees worldwide. The presence of seasoned officials like Jacqueline Williams and rising stars like Candace La Borde further emphasizes the depth of talent within the women’s game and highlights the positive strides being made towards greater inclusivity and representation.

The West Indies Cricket Board’s (CWI) celebration of Williams and La Borde’s selections highlights the organization’s commitment to supporting and promoting women’s cricket. Their participation in the World Cup will undoubtedly inspire young women across the Caribbean and beyond to pursue careers in cricket officiating, fostering a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport. The CWI’s dedication to developing female talent extends beyond the playing field, recognizing the crucial role of umpires and referees in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game. By investing in and promoting female officials, the CWI is actively contributing to a more equitable and representative cricketing landscape.

The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup is poised to be a landmark tournament, not only for the exciting cricket on display but also for the historic all-female officiating panel. The presence of experienced professionals like Williams and emerging talents like La Borde will ensure a high standard of officiating throughout the tournament, contributing to a fair and competitive environment for all participating teams. This historic event marks a significant step forward for women’s cricket, paving the way for greater inclusivity and equality within the sport and inspiring a new generation of female officials to pursue their dreams on the international stage.