In the annals of cricket, few stories shine as brightly as that of GS Lakshmi, who broke barriers in 2019 to become the first woman appointed to the ICC’s International Panel of Match Referees. This groundbreaking milestone paved the way for women in the sport’s traditionally male-dominated officiating sphere. From being the sole female referee to being part of a historic 18-member all-women panel officiating the upcoming ODI World Cup, outswing bowler Lakshmi credits the support from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) over the years.Previously, all-women officiating teams have managed the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2023 and 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, while this marks the first time an all-female panel will officiate the Women’s ODI World Cup.Academic struggle & how sports quota helpedBorn in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshmi’s first encounter with cricket was nearly four decades ago in the streets of Jamshedpur, where her father worked at Tata Motors. At the time, women’s presence in cricket was minimal. Unfamiliar with the sport that would later define her success, she had no inkling of the remarkable journey that lay ahead.“I was never a good student. And like most kids, I used to play gully cricket with my brothers and his friends. I had no idea about the scope of cricket and didn’t know if I was good enough at it,” she said.It was in 1986 when her academic scores threatened to deny her a college education, Lakshmi’s father told the college that she plays cricket, hoping this could help his daughter get a seat in Jamshedpur Women’s College via sports quota. “Getting into a college was becoming problematic because of the marks I got. I was asked if I was good at any extra-curricular activity, and my father told them that I play cricket. The coach there then took my trial and liked my bowling action and told the college authorities that he wanted me in his team,” shared the 57-year-old, who is now a Hyderabad resident.Starting with Bihar, she then went on to play for several domestic sides between 1989 and 2004. After her retirement, she coached South Central Railways.More women should take up umpiringLakshmi, the former right-arm fast bowler, believes the landscape is rapidly evolving for the better, with the system providing greater opportunities for women to grow and thrive, encouraging parents to embrace the idea of their daughters pursuing a career in cricket.She views the ICC’s decision to appoint an all-women officiating panel for the marquee event, to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka from Sept 30-Nov 2, as a ‘welcome move,’ reflecting the sport’s progressive strides.“Players are going to look forward to it as an alternate career once they are done with playing cricket. I have been on the panel since 2019. There has been a lot of encouragement and a lot of opportunities given to women officials. And now this is the icing on the cake where they have reposed their faith in us and have formed an all-female panel,” Lakshmi reacted.It will be her second 50-over World Cup and fifth overall in women’s cricket.The veteran referee wishes to see more women coming forward for umpiring jobs. “I think I would be more happy if women take up umpiring as well. That is one area where a lot of people are not coming forward. I think that mindset has to change. Currently there are only six or seven in India,” she said. Men’s cricket more aggressive: Being the first woman to officiate a men’s ODI game of the 2019 United Arab Emirates Tri-Nation series, Lakshmi finds the men’s game more aggressive. “I don’t think there’s much of a difference between officiating in a men’s and a women’s game. The only thing that separates the two is that the men’s games are more aggressive in nature. They play aggressive cricket, so we need to focus more. Not to say that women don’t, but behavior wise I think it’s a smooth sailing as far as women’s cricket is concerned. Otherwise, the level of competition is the same,” she pointed out.Regrets not donning India jerseyThough Lakshmi regrets not representing India during her playing career, she finds fulfillment in contributing to cricket’s evolving ecosystem as a top-level referee. “My father passed away in 1990 and there was pressure to get married. In 1991, I received a call-up to the Rest of India team on my wedding day. That was an opportunity to get into the Indian side. But I couldn’t play due to cultural expectations. I took a sabbatical before resuming my career and contributing to South Central Railways’ first inter-Railways title win in 1995,” she recalled.In 1999, the quinquagenarian earned a spot on the Indian team for the England tour. Unfortunately, she didn’t make the playing XI. “I regret not having a longer career,” she reflected.Looking ahead, Lakshmi, who has officiated in three World Cup finals, is even optimistic about the prospect of a female match official for a men’s World Cup. “Why not!” she exclaimed with enthusiasm.