Vrinda Rathi Becomes India’s First Female Test Umpire, Enters World Records Book

Vrinda Rathi, who has created history in Indian cricketing to become the country’s first female test umpire, has been officially recognised for the milestone by the World Records Book of India, a chronicler of national records. Rathi received her certificate last week ahead of International Women's Day on March 8.

Rathi had achieved the feat during the India vs England women’s test match in December 2023 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. She has earned the title of India's first woman test umpire to officiate in numerous international and domestic cricket matches.

“With her dedication, expertise, and commitment to the sport, she has set a historic milestone in cricket umpiring, inspiring future generations to break barriers and achieve excellence,” said Sushma Narvekar, chief editor World Records Book of India.

A resident of Navi Mumbai, she had cleared the Mumbai Cricket Association’s umpiring exam in 2014 and the Board of Cricket Control of India in 2018. She was promoted to the ICC Development Panel of Umpires in 2020 and officiated in the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Birmingham.

Born on February 14, 1989, Rathi played cricket for the University of Mumbai, She worked as a scorer in the 2013 Women’s World Cup. She has said that she was inspired by New Zealand's Cathy Cross who was an umpire.

Rathi in the World Records Book of India:

Officiated at:

20 Men’s T20 Internationals

1 Women’s Test Match

11 Women’s One Day Internationals (ODI)

60 Women’s T20 Internationals

3 First-Class matches

18 Women’s Premier League (WPL) matches,

100+ BCCI Domestic Matches (Men & Women).

Major Tournaments Officiated:

Women’s Test Match – Mumbai

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – South Africa '23 and Dubai' 24

Commonwealth Games – Birmingham, UK

Asian Games – Hangzhou, China

Women’s Asia Cup – Bangladesh '23 and Sri Lanka '24

New World Record at Navi Mumbai, India