Cricket South Africa has unveiled its match officials list for the 2023/24 season, with Lauren Agenbag set make history.
The 26-year-old has become the first female to be promoted to the CSA Elite Umpires Panel and according to CSA, her achievement “resonates with the objectives of the ongoing CSA Career Pathways in Cricket Webinar Series, which commemorates youth month and aims to explore and inspire individuals to pursue various on-field career opportunities.”
Agenbag will join the country’s more well-known umpires on the panel, including the likes of Allahudien Paleker and Bongani Jele.
Other notable promotions include the inclusion of a second female on the list, Kerrin Klaaste, who is promoted to the CSA Reserve Umpires Panel, and former Proteas seamer Mthokozisi Shezi.
HAVE YOU ALSO READ?: Cricket South Africa announces return of CSA Awards
Following the retirement of Shaun George and Adrian Holdstock’s promotion to the ICC Elite Panel, two umpires have been promoted to the ICC International Panel, namely Lubabalo Gcuma and Stephen Harris.
Senior umpire Marais Erasmus remains on the ICC Elite Panel, with Gerrie Pienaar, Shaid Wadvalla and Shandre Fritz serving on the ICC Panel of Match Referees and Agenbag remaining on the ICC Development Panel.
“We would like to congratulate all our umpires on their deserved appointments for the forthcoming season,” commented Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe. “Umpires are central to the game of cricket and we at CSA are fortunate to have an extremely competent group of match officials. I would like extend special praise for Lauren Agenbag, who continues to raise her profile and with it fly the flag of all women. Her promotion to the Elite Panel is a major accomplishment and huge inspiration for all young women out there hoping to pursue a career in cricket. We are really proud of her. The story of Mthoko Shezi is also a motivating one and will hopefully inspire more retired Proteas and ex-players to pursue a career in umpiring. Their expertise on the field can no doubt contribute towards developing better officials in the future.”