Cricket Australia (CA) today congratulates Australian umpire Claire Polosak, who has been selected to officiate in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015, which starts this weekend in Bangkok, Thailand. 

 Polosak will join three other female match officials – New Zealands’ Kathleen Cross, England’s Sue Redfern and West Indies’ Jacqueline Williams – which marks the first time four female match officials will feature in an ICC tournament. 

At 27, Australia’s Polosak is the youngest official at the tournament and recently made history when she was appointed as third umpire for the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup to become the first female to officiate in a men’s state domestic competition in Australia. Hailing from Goulburn, the high-school science teacher has since progressed to be involved as third umpire in the Queensland versus Cricket Australia XI match in October and as reserve umpire in several domestic matches.

 CA’s Match Officials Manager Sean Easey said: “We are delighted for Claire upon her appointment to officiate in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015.

 “Claire’s dedication and love of the game shines through as her officiating continues to go from strength to strength.

 “Her historic debut in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup as third umpire last month and now featuring in an ICC tournament is an inspiration to other aspiring female cricket umpires.

 “We wish Claire all the best for the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015.”

 The ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 will run from 28 November to 5 December and will see eight sides (Bangladesh, China, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe) fight out for the two available spots in the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be staged alongside the men’s event from 11 March to 3 April 2016. 

Polosak will then officiate on-field in the inaugural rebel Women’s Big Bash League, starting 5 December at Junction Oval, Melbourne.