Dubai, UAE – 25 September 2025 – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, hosted the all-female ICC panel of match officials at its Dubai headquarters ahead of their departure for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.
The panel, comprising 14 umpires and four match referees from 10 nationalities, is making history as the first all-women team to officiate an ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup. The tournament, now in its 13th edition, will run from 30 September to 2 November.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, welcomed the delegation, saying:
“As the Official Airline Partner of the ICC, Emirates is proud to support the first all-women team of match officials who will preside over the matches in this important tournament. We are especially delighted to be associated with this event as it aligns with our shared values on many levels. Not only is it a great platform to engage with fans through the passion for sports, but the sports event also stands as an ode to gender equity, celebrating inclusivity and equal opportunity on and off the field.”
Emirates’ support for women in sports extends beyond this milestone. Through the ICC 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme, the airline helps aspiring female leaders access international development opportunities, providing discounted travel and mentorship connections to strengthen the next generation of talent in cricket.
Now in its third decade, Emirates’ partnership with the ICC is among the most established in world sport. The airline sponsors the ICC Elite and International Panels of Umpires and Match Referees, with branding featured on official kits and at major tournaments. Beyond visibility, Emirates ensures the global transport of officials to events including the ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, the T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship Final.
This latest initiative underscores Emirates’ long-standing role in connecting people, sport, and opportunities on a global scale, while also advancing gender equity within the world of cricket.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: EMIRATES

