Trail-blazing New Zealand umpire Kathy Cross has called a close to her stellar international career following the second T20I between the WHITE FERNS and West Indies at Bay Oval.
Cross, who made her international debut at the 2000 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, was the first woman to be named on the ICC Umpire’s Panel, in 2014, and has now umpired 22 Women’s world cup matches – the most by any umpire in the history of the event.
Cross was given a guard of honour by the players following her final game. PHOTOSPORT
“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my
“New Zealand is doing well with women umpires coming through the ranks and I am sure they will be a success whichever way they choose to go and whichever opportunities they are given.”
Born in Taumarunui and a member of the Ngati Maniopoto iwi, Cross began umpiring in Wellington in 1998-99 and made such rapid progress she was standing in a world cup a year later.
In 2002 she became the first woman to be appointed to a Test match umpiring team – named as
She has also stood in men’s Super Smash (T20) and Ford Trophy (50 over) fixtures.
NZC Match Officials Manager Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri congratulated Cross on a wonderful career as an international umpire, and for breaking down so many perceived barriers for female match officials.
“Not only has Kathy been an excellent umpire in her own right, she has achieved a range of “firsts” in terms of women’s umpires – and that has been a great example for all those following in her footsteps.
“NZC are proud of her success, both as an international umpire and a role model, and we wish her all the best for the future.”
NZC GM Operations Catherine Campbell echoed
“I think Kathy should be included in the same category as Pat Carrick – who was effectively the matriarch of women’s umpiring in New
“One of the main reasons we now have a healthy stock of young women’s umpires coming through the ranks is because Kathy has played a leading role in demonstrating the possibilities.”
