Shathira Jakir Jessy, former Bangladesh national cricketer turned umpire, is set to become the first Bangladeshi woman to officiate at a senior ICC World Cup. The 34-year-old will take to the field as an umpire at the highly anticipated Women’s ODI World Cup beginning September 30, 2025, in India and Sri Lanka.
Jessy’s historic selection by the International Cricket Council (ICC) marks a significant milestone for women in cricket, particularly from South Asia. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), cricket fans, and the global cricket community have welcomed this development as a sign of progress towards gender equality and increased representation of women in officiating roles.
Breaking New Ground: Jessy’s Journey from Player to International Umpire
Shathira Jakir Jessy’s rise to becoming a World Cup umpire is not only historic but also inspirational. A former Bangladesh women’s team player, Jessy transitioned into umpiring after retiring from international cricket. Since then, she has worked her way up through domestic and international ranks, gaining recognition for her calm temperament and firm decision-making skills. Jessy has officiated in notable competitions such as the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and the Women’s Asia Cup, which helped establish her reputation on the global stage. Most recently, she officiated in Bangladesh’s home series for the emerging team against South Africa, further sharpening her credentials.
The ICC praised her journey, stating, “Shathira’s appointment embodies the progressive expansion of women’s roles in cricket officiating and reflects the inclusive future of the sport.” The Bangladesh Cricket Board also hailed her achievement as a proud moment for the nation, underscoring the significance of her representation at the highest competitive level.
The Broader Context: Women’s Cricket Growth and Officiating Representation
Jessy’s appointment is a positive sign amid a broader movement towards elevating women’s cricket globally and promoting gender inclusivity in the sport. Bangladesh, historically, has faced obstacles in advancing women’s participation in cricket and supporting female officials. Jessy’s trailblazing path is a beacon of hope that barriers can be overcome with persistence and support.
Her selection comes at an exciting time when women’s cricket is expanding rapidly, with record-breaking audiences and increasing investments in global tournaments. The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will feature eight teams competing across five venues, including four in India and one in Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh slated to face Pakistan in their tournament opener on October 2. Jessy’s role on the officiating panel highlights the ICC’s ongoing commitment to creating more opportunities for women umpires on the biggest stages.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective: Embracing Inclusion and Inspiring Change
At The Logical Indian, we view Shathira Jakir Jessy’s historic achievement as a powerful symbol of resilience, dedication, and progress. Her success reinforces the importance of representation-when young girls see role models like Jessy breaking through traditional gender roles, it inspires them to dream bigger. Beyond cricket, this milestone calls attention to the broader need for inclusivity and equal opportunities in leadership positions across all sectors.
Jessy’s journey proves that with perseverance and institutional support, longstanding barriers can be dismantled. It is a reminder that sports-often mirrors of societal structures-can be forces for positive social transformation.
