Kerrin to umpire at U19 Women's World Cup

KNYSNA NEWS - Kerrin Klaaste, Knysna-based cricket umpire, has officially written and passed the Cricket South Africa Umpire National Certificate examination.

This comes along with the news that she has been confirmed as one of the umpires who will officiate in the inaugural ICC U19 Women's World Cup next month.

Klaaste, 24, wrote the national exam earlier this month. It marked a big step in Klaaste's career, as passing it would mean that she would be eligible and qualified to umpire international cricket matches under the International Cricket Council (ICC). It also means she is now able to umpire at the world cup in January 2023.

"I was absolutely blown away by being selected to umpire at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup as it's a first of its kind," she said speaking to KPH.

World cup preparation

In October Klaaste made the biggest step in her career up to that point – she had been added to the ICC's International Panel of Development Umpires. Upon receiving that news she was also informed of the chance to umpire in the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, but that depended on passing her national examination. Which, she has of course now done, and is therefore able to officiate in the international tournament.

Since hearing about the possibility of umpiring at next month's world cup, Klaaste has devoted her time to preparing for the competition. This has included umpiring the televised 2022 Varsity Cup (a first for Klaaste in many ways), and getting the chance to officiate in a provincial three-day match as a third umpire – another first experience for her.

And of course, the biggest step, writing and passing the Cricket South Africa Umpire National Certificate examination this month.

Next month's world cup

All the preparation has left Klaaste chomping at the bit to take to the field for what will be the first-ever ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup. And it will be on home soil too.

"Excited would be an understatement! I've only recently been introduced to televised games, but I can assure you that I'm extremely keen on umpiring at that level again," Klaaste said.

"The pressure is thrilling. It's not often that a world cup takes places in your home country, but it's even rarer that one gets the opportunity to officiate at one, and I feel that I am ready and prepared for the opportunity when it arises next month."

The ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup takes place from 14 to 29 January, and will be played between venues in Benoni and Potchefstroom.

Kerrin Klaaste signals a boundary during an SWD Cricket club match.
Photos: Blake Linder