The world of cricket is on the brink of a historic milestone as Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, warmly welcomed the all-female ICC panel of match officials at its Dubai headquarters. This gathering, celebrated for its significance, precedes the highly anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to unfold in India from 30 September to 2 November.
This year marks the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, a tournament that will create history by featuring an entire lineup of women match officials for the first time in a Women’s 50-over World Cup. The panel, comprising 14 dedicated umpires and four distinguished match referees from 10 different nationalities, is set to oversee an event that highlights not just athletic prowess but also a significant stride towards gender equity in sports.
During the official welcome, Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, praised the initiative, stating: “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.”
Beyond mere sponsorship, Emirates is committed to fostering inclusivity and providing a platform for engaging fans through the passion for sports. This commitment extends to initiatives such as the ICC 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme, aimed at empowering aspiring female leaders in the sport. Emirates supports this programme with exclusive fares and discounts, allowing participants to access invaluable learning opportunities and mentorship to develop the next generation of female leaders in cricket.
Emirates’ partnership with the ICC, now in its third decade, stands as one of the most established collaborations in world sport. By featuring its branding on the kit of the ICC’s Elite and International Panels of Umpires—alongside their sponsorship of the Elite and International Panels of Match Referees—Emirates ensures its presence is felt across all major international cricketing events.
With branding and media exposure reaching millions of cricket fans globally, Emirates also plays a crucial logistical role, transporting umpires and referees to international competitions as the Global Partner of the ICC. Their branding is prominently displayed at all major events, including the ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups and the ICC T20 World Cups, reinforcing their unwavering support for the sport.
