Emirates Welcomes All-Women ICC Match Officials Ahead of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has welcomed the all-female Emirates ICC panel of match officials to its Dubai headquarters ahead of their departure for India and Sri Lanka for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

This year’s tournament marks a milestone for the sport. For the first time, every match in a Women’s 50-over World Cup will be officiated exclusively by women. The 18-member panel — comprising 14 umpires and four match referees representing 10 nationalities — visited Emirates Group Headquarters to celebrate both their upcoming assignments and the airline’s decades-long partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

A Landmark Moment for Women’s Cricket

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, running from 30 September to 2 November in India, is in its 13th edition and has become one of the sport’s most important global events. The introduction of an all-women officiating team underlines the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity, representation and equal opportunity in every area of the game.

While women have previously officiated in World Cup matches, this is the first time they will preside over an entire 50-over tournament at the highest level. It represents a new era for cricket governance and sets an example for other sports seeking greater gender balance.

Emirates’ Role as a Global Partner

Welcoming the officials, Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, said:

“As the Official Airline Partner of the ICC, Emirates is proud to support the first all-women team of match officials presiding over this important tournament. We’re especially delighted to be part of an event that reflects our shared values. Beyond engaging fans through the passion for cricket, this World Cup highlights gender equity and celebrates inclusivity and equal opportunity both on and off the field.”

Boutros noted that Emirates’ sports partnerships are about more than brand exposure. They provide a platform to support initiatives that bring lasting positive change.

Investing in Future Female Leaders

Emirates also backs the ICC 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme, which gives aspiring female leaders in cricket access to world-class development opportunities. Through this programme, the airline offers discounted fares and exclusive travel benefits, allowing participants to attend international training camps and mentorship programmes beyond their home countries.

By facilitating these connections, Emirates helps ensure that women continue to play an active role in shaping cricket’s future — as players, coaches, administrators and officials.

Three Decades of Partnership

Emirates’ association with the ICC now spans more than 30 years, making it one of the longest-running partnerships in world sport. Its branding appears on the official kits of the ICC Elite and International Panels of Umpires and Match Referees, and the airline is responsible for transporting officials to international tournaments.

This visibility extends across all major ICC events, including the ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, ICC T20 World Cups, ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship Final. Through these tournaments, Emirates has played a central role in elevating the professionalism and visibility of those who uphold the integrity of the game.

Looking Ahead

As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 gets underway, the all-women team of umpires and referees will not only officiate matches but also act as role models for the next generation. Their presence sends a powerful signal that opportunities in cricket extend beyond playing to the crucial roles that safeguard fairness and the spirit of the game.

With Emirates’ support, the 2025 tournament is set to showcase world-class competition on the field and a powerful statement about gender equity off it — a message that resonates with fans, players and officials alike.