The game of cricket set to add yet another feather to its illustrious Hat on upcoming Saturday when the final of the World Cricket Division 2 takes place. Claire Polosak set to become the first female umpire to officiate the Men’s ODI game.
Despite not playing the game, she got vast knowledge and experience under her belt. Already, she became the first woman 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.
It is about breaking down barriers – Claire Polosak
Speaking of the achievement, Claire Polosak quoted that she is thrilled to become the first women to officiate the Men’s ODI. She also thanked all the umpires and the staff, who helped her in becoming better and achieve such a new height in her remarkable career.
Further, she went on to add saying that this would be the first step for the growth of women umpires in the International Men’s Cricket. Claire Polosak gave a special mention to NSW cricket umpires, who saw her raise from the close quarters.
”I am thrilled to be the first woman to stand in a men’s ODI and how far I have come as an umpire,” Polosak 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.”
“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.”
The 31-year-old has previously stood in 15 women’s ODIs. The first one was in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa. She has also performed well in ICC events. Claire stood in the semifinal of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 between England and India and four matches at the Women’s World Cup 2017.