The International Cricket Council:<\/b> The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday mourned the death of former Zimbabwe women\u2019s cricketer and international umpire Sarah Dambanevana, who passed away following a brief illness at the age of 36.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dambanevana represented Zimbabwe as a fast bowler before moving into umpiring, where she became one of the country\u2019s pioneering female match officials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 2022, she became the first female umpire from Zimbabwe to join the ICC Development Umpires Panel. She received her first ICC appointment at the ICC U19 Women\u2019s T20 World Cup in January 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She made her international umpiring debut in a women\u2019s T20I between Kenya and Botswana in Gaborone on September 2, 2023. Her performances subsequently earned her selection as an official for the ICC Women\u2019s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
During her career, Dambanevana officiated in 72 senior international matches, including 10 men\u2019s T20Is, 14 women\u2019s ODIs and 48 women\u2019s T20Is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her last match was the women\u2019s T20I between Ireland and Thailand on February 1, 2026, during the ICC Women\u2019s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed his condolences, describing Dambanevana\u2019s journey from representing Zimbabwe on the field to making history as an international umpire as an inspiration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana. Sarah\u2019s journey from representing Zimbabwe on the field of play to making history as an international umpire was an inspiration, and her achievements helped pave the way for more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating,\" he said in an official statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Her contribution to the game will be remembered with great respect, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. On behalf of the ICC, I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the Zimbabwe cricket community during this difficult time,\u201d Shah added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana. Sarah\u2019s journey from representing Zimbabwe on the field of play to making history as an international umpire was an inspiration, and her achievements helped pave the way for more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating,\" he said in an official statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n