Umpire Williams creates history in second T20I in Grenada

Umpire Jacqueline Williams of Jamaica became the first female umpire from the West Indies to stand in a men’s T20 International featuring two full member teams in Grenada yesterday.

The 47-year-old Williams was joined on field by experienced umpire Gregory Brathwaite, while Leslie Reifer Jr was the television umpire.

“It is like a dream come true. It’s a good feeling to be the first, but I hope I won’t be the last,” Williams told CWI Media.

“I’m truly honoured to be given this amazing opportunity, and I want to make sure I give my best. Standing in full-member matches is something major for me. I don’t want to downplay the other international matches I officiated in before because that helped to prepare me for this. I am fully prepared.” Williams said on the eve of the match.

“I am hoping that by virtue of other young females watching matches and seeing me in the middle as an umpire it would inspire them to participate in cricket as players and as match officials. I am happy for the strides I have made so far, and I will always do my best so that those looking on will have someone to emulate.”

Yesterday’s match was the first T20I between West Indies and England in Grenada. West Indies defeated England by 10 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.