Gandikota Sarva Laxmi, well known as the G.S.Laxmi, is the referee of the Indian matches and a former cricket player and coach. She is the first woman to be appointed by ICC for refereeing men’s international matches.
She had played for many teams like Andhra women, Bihar woman, Railways women, East and the South Zones between 1989-2004. Lakshmi will take charge of the matches which are going to take place on December 8 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
GS Laxmi Express Her Feeling On Being A Referee
“I feel great for having assigned first to your name gives me pride moment. This being a big ICC event I feel that great to be part of this level.” Speaking of how she first got into cricket and her time as a player Lakshmi recalled how cricket she secured her place at college. “I played cricket with my brothers and friends when they saw my skills, and I had a unique natural bowling action for that they immediately accepted me to the college and then I started playing for my state in domestic matches at the age of 18 years.”
Lakshmi is optimistic that other women can follow in her path and be a referee of the game. “These qualification events provide a nice platform to prepare higher officials and provide them more opportunities to gain precious experience. I hope my promotion in the ICC International Panel as Match Referees and records like this can inspire many other females. This is definitely another career opportunity for women,” Laxmi said
“Congratulations to GS Lakshmi for becoming the first women match referee to oversee a Men’s One-Day International. It is thoroughly deserved and highlights the wonderful opportunities there are for females in cricket officiating,” said Adrian Griffith ICC senior manager.
