Claire Polosak: First Woman to Umpire Men’s ODI

Claire Polosak, an Australian, will be the first woman to umpire a men's one-day international in the final of the World Cricket League Division 2 in Windhoek. Claire has never played cricket but became the first woman in 2017 to stand in a men's top-level match when New South Wales played a Cricket Australia XI in a one-day match in Sydney.

The 31-year-old is thrilled. "It is really important to promote women umpires and there is 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." Claire has officiated in 15 women's ODIs, the first one in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa. She also took the field in the semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018 between England and India and four matches at the ICC Women's World Cup 2017.

Adrian Griffith, ICC senior manager - umpires and referees congratulated Claire for becoming the first woman umpire to stand in a men's one-day international. Griffith said Claire deserves it and its the 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."