Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi of India have been named in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires
Dubai: It is a proud moment for India as two women umpires have made it to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) panel. Janani Narayanan (pictured, left) and Vrinda Rathi (pictured, right) have been included in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires.
The 34-year-old Janani idolises the late David Shepherd of England and retired Indian umpire Srinivas Venkatraghavan. She has been umpiring in Indian domestic tournaments since 2018.
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Janani said, “It feels great to know that Vrinda and I have been inducted into the ICC's development panel. This gives me the chance to learn from seniors on the circuit and improve in the years to come. Cricket has become part of my daily routine since the 90s and I look forward to be associated with the sport at a higher level.”
Vrinda, 31, a former varsity player who has kept scores in international matches, has also been umpiring in Indian domestic cricket since 2018. Rathi was inspired to take up umpiring after watching retired woman umpire Kathy Cross of New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup 2013 and feels umpiring is a natural progression for her.
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Vrinda said, “I feel privileged to be named in ICC’s development panel as this opens new avenues for me. I am sure I will get to learn a lot from other members of the panel and look forward to future assignments.
“Having played cricket and also officiated as a scorer, this was a natural progression for me and I am happy at the way things have unfolded.
“I am thankful to the BCCI for backing me over the years and to the ICC for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family, colleagues and mentors for all the help and support over the years.”
The other ICC women match officials are: GS Lakshmi, Shandre Fritz (International Panel Match Referees); Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Mary Waldron, Jacquline Williams (all International Panel of ICC Development Umpires).
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