Four females to officiate Women's World T20 Qualifier

For the first time ever, four female officials have been selected for the Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier taking place in Bangkok from November 28 to December 5, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday.

Experienced New Zealander Kathleen Cross will be joined by Australia's Claire Polosak, England's Sue Redfern and the West Indies' Jacqueline Williams for the qualifier. It will see eight sides -- Bangladesh, China, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe -- fight out for the two available spots in the 2016 World T20 to be held in India alongside the men's event from March 11 to April 3.

The quartet will be joined by fellow umpires Allan Haggo and Nigel Morrison while Graeme Labrooy will be the match referee. ICC umpire coach Denis Burns will also attend the week-long tournament and provide support and assistance to the officials.

Former England captain and ICC Women's Committee chair Clare Connor said: "To have four female umpires appointed for the Women's World T20 Qualifier in Thailand is a great step forward for ICC's overarching strategy with Members to increase the representation of women across all aspects of the game."

"Huge strides have been taken with regards to the playing profile of women's cricket in recent times and it is just as important that this momentum is carried into every facet of the sport, including areas such as coaching and officiating."