Umpire Jacqueline Williams to make history in opening West Indies v Ireland T20

The 43-year-old is set to become the first female to officiate as a third umpire in a men's international for the match in Grenada

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Jacqueline Williams will become the first woman to officiate in a men's international after being named in the team set to oversee the T20 series between West Indies and Ireland in Grenada.

The 43-year-old will operate as the third umpire for all three matches of the series, which is scheduled to get underway at St George's on Wednesday (January 15) before moving to Warner Park in St Kitts for the final two matches.

Williams has gradually made her way up the ladder, taking charge of matches at the Women's T20 World Cup in 2018 before standing in matches in the qualifying event for the 2020 competition, including the final, last year.

But this will be the West Indian's first foray into the men's game.

"This is a matter of huge honour for me and I am really excited at the prospect of my role as TV umpire in a men’s international match," she said. 

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"I have officiated as a third umpire in men’s matches before, but this is for the first time in an international and that too featuring the West Indies.

"I am thankful to the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies for all the help and support over the years and wish that more women take up umpiring in the coming years. 

"Umpiring is a challenging job but one from which I derive utmost satisfaction."

ICC Senior Manager of umpires and referees added Adrian Griffith added: "Jacqueline is another of our women officials who has come through the system with hard work and determination. I am confident she will do a good job and I wish her all the best for the upcoming series."