Sathira Zakir Jessy, who officiated at last year’s Women’s One Day International (ODI) World Cup in India, has been named as an umpire for the forthcoming Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup. The tournament is set to begin on 12 June in England, featuring the leading national teams from around the world.
Jessy’s inclusion continues her rapid ascent in international cricket officiating. A senior official from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said, “It is a matter of great pride for the country to have one of our umpires represent Bangladesh alongside the national team at a World Cup. Jessy has gained valuable experience on high-profile stages and has shown remarkable improvement over a short period. We are confident she will perform even better in the T20 World Cup than she did in the ODI event.”
An ICC-accredited umpire, Jessy officiated in eight matches during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, serving in different capacities: four as on-field umpire, two as TV umpire, and two as fourth umpire. With the T20 World Cup ahead, she anticipates even greater on-field responsibilities.
Jessy commented on her selection, saying, “Umpiring at a World Cup is an extraordinary opportunity. The women’s umpire panel for the T20 World Cup has been finalised, and serving in two consecutive World Cups is a tremendous honour. Performing well can help pave the way for other female umpires. I understand that the ICC plans to establish a women’s elite umpire panel, and excelling in tournaments of this magnitude could make me eligible for selection.”
The tournament features two competitive groups, each with six teams:
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | West Indies |
| India | England |
| Pakistan | New Zealand |
| Australia | Sri Lanka |
| South Africa | Ireland |
| Netherlands | Scotland |
Group A will host Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands, while Group B will feature West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Scotland.
Jessy’s back-to-back World Cup appointments underscore her growing prominence in international cricket and reflect the ICC’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in officiating. Her journey is seen as an inspiration for aspiring female umpires, reinforcing the pathway for talent to rise on the global stage.