Shining Star in ODI’s vista! Australia’s Claire Polosak to be the 1st female umpire in men’s ODI

News Bharati    27-Apr-2019
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New Delhi, Apr 27: From sports to business, from transportation to education, women are making their spot in every possible horizon. Today girls are making their special place in everything. Now, another skyline is going to captured by women. Australia’s Claire Polosak will make history on Saturday as she becomes the first female umpire to men’s ODI.

Claire Polosak will stand in a men’s ODI when she officiates in the final of the World Cricket League Division 2 between Namibia and Oman. 

It is far from the first time Polosak has led the way for female umpires. She was the first woman to stand in an Australian men's domestic fixture in 2017 during the JLT Cup. Then last December she and colleague Eloise Sheridan became the first female umpires to officiate on-field together during a professional match in Australia when Adelaide Strikers faced Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.

Polosak has previously stood in 15 women's ODI since 2016 and also umpired the semi-final of last year's World T20 between England and India.

 

On this occasion, Claire Polosak said, “I am thrilled to be the first woman to stand in a men's ODI and how far I have come as an umpire”. She said, “It really is important to promote women umpires and there's no reason why females can't umpire in cricket. It's about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role”.

Further, She said, “Umpiring is a team effort. I would like to thank all the umpires I have worked with, my local umpires association - NSW Cricket Umpires' and Scorers' Association and Cricket Australia, as well as my family and friends, as without their support, this match today would not be possible”.

While appreciating this decision, Adrian Griffith, the ICC senior manager of umpires and referees said, “Congratulations to Claire for this fantastic achievement of becoming the first woman umpire to stand in a men's one-day international. It is one thoroughly deserved and a result of her hard work and perseverance. She is a role model for women who want to get into officiating and proves how successful they can be once they are on the right path and get the opportunities”.