La Borde and Williams to represent West Indies on historic ICC match officials panel
ST JOHN’S, Antigua: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Candace La Borde and Jacquline Williams on their appointment to the Emirates ICC Panel of Match Officials for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, set to take place across India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November.
This year’s tournament will mark a historic first — an all-female panel comprising 14 umpires and four match referees, furthering the ICC’s commitment to gender equality and representation in the sport. The West Indies will be proudly represented by two of the selected umpires: Williams (Jamaica) and La Borde (Trinidad and Tobago).
Jacquline Williams: veteran official and regional trailblazer
For Jacquline Williams, this will be her third Women’s World Cup, placing her among the most experienced in the panel alongside Claire Polosak (Australia) and Sue Redfern (England).
Williams made history in 2022 as the first female West Indian umpire to officiate in a men’s T20I between two Full Member teams. Since starting her umpiring journey in 2007, she has consistently broken barriers and inspired others in the Caribbean.
“I still get the same goosebumps I got when I was selected for my first World Cup,” said Williams. “Whenever I step out on the field, I want to perform not just for myself but for the women who look up to me — especially in the Caribbean. I want to create a pathway for others to follow.”
Candace La Borde earns first World Cup selection
Candace La Borde, from Trinidad and Tobago, will be making her Women’s World Cup debut. Her inclusion marks another significant step in her rapid rise as one of the region’s most promising officiating talents.
“Our appointments are a good example for women in the region,” La Borde said. “‘Jackie’ has been carrying the torch for years, so to follow in her footsteps is an amazing feeling and a proud moment for me and my career.”
CWI celebrates milestone moment for women’s cricket
Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket for CWI, praised the selections as a reflection of dedication and professionalism.
“We are immensely proud of Candace and Jacquline. To have two West Indian umpires on an all-female panel is a testament to the progress being made in creating meaningful opportunities for women in cricket,” Bascombe said.
“Jacquline has long been a pioneer, and it’s rewarding to see Candace rising on that same path. They will inspire the next generation of Caribbean women who dream of officiating on the world stage.”
ICC Women’s World Cup 2024: a global celebration of women’s cricket
The 2024 ICC Women’s World Cup will bring together the top players and match officials for a month-long showcase of elite women’s cricket. With the introduction of an all-female officiating panel, the tournament is also a major milestone in the global growth of the game off the field.
Cricket West Indies extends its best wishes to La Borde, Williams and all appointed officials for a safe, successful and impactful tournament.
