Claire Polosak created history on Saturday, April 27, when she stood in the final of the World Cricket League Division 2 between Oman and Namibia, becoming the first woman to umpire in a men’s ODI.
The Australian 31-year-old has made a habit of breaking barriers – in 2017, she was the first woman to stand in a men’s domestic match in Australia. In December, she, along with Eloise Sheridan, became the first female umpires to officiate together in a professional match in Australia during the WBBL.
“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.”
Australia’s Claire Polosak will make history today at #WCL2!
— ICC (@ICC) April 27, 2019
“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.”
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In all, Polosak has umpired in 15 women’s ODIs. She was also officiating in the ICC Women’s World T20 2018, including in the semi-final between England and India, and also officiated four matches in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.
She came in for much praise from Adrian Griffith, the ICC’s senior manager of umpires and referees. “Congratulations to Claire for this fantastic achievement of becoming the first woman umpire to stand in a men’s one-day international.
Umpires Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan made history today, becoming the first all-female umpiring team to officiate a professional ? match in Australia ?? pic.twitter.com/VArqXgWwJq
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 23, 2018
“It is one thoroughly deserved and a result of her hard work and perseverance. She is a role model for women who want to get into officiating and proves how successful they can be once they are on the right path and get the opportunities.”
Polosak’s achievement comes at the conclusion of the ICC WCL 2, through which Oman, Namibia, United States of America, and Papua New Guinea, all secured ODI status.
