WA Umpire State Umpire Group member Ashlee Gibbons is poised to make her World Cup Umpiring debut, after being appointed to officiate in the upcoming ICC Female Under 19 T20 World Cup.

The 16-team tournament is being played between 18 January and 2 February at multiple locations across Malaysia, with the Australian team set to feature a trio of talented West Australians. 

As the sole Australian umpire at this tournament, Gibbons travels to Kuala Lumpur this week to meet up with the other umpires from around the globe to officiate in a series of pre-tournament practice matches.

Gibbon’s prominence on the international umpiring scene began in November 2022 when she was selected by the International Cricket Council to be a member of the ICCs International Panel of Umpires. In September 2023, Ashlee made her international on field and 3rd umpire debut when she travelled to Vanuatu (pictured) to stand in the East Asia Pacific Women’s T20 World Cup qualifying series. 

Having impressed and with the experience of Vanuatu under her belt Ashlee’s next international appointment was as part of the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the Women’s One Day International between Australia and India played at the WACA Ground in December 2024.

Gibbons reaches the international stage following a strong start to the summer in several domestic competitions. She has already been involved in both Women’s and Men’s Big Bash Leagues, the Women National Cricket League, Sheffield Shield, Under 19 National Championships in Adelaide and WA Premier Cricket. All the time being a mum to two young children.

Reflecting on her achievement, Gibbons said” This is a true privilege to represent umpires from Australia and particularly Western Australia at the T20 World Cup. I am really excited about travelling to Malaysia and working with umpires from around the world.

“Being part of an elite group of match officials on the international stage is a huge ambition of mine, it’s great experience that I will share with my WA umpire colleagues when I return in February.”

A long time-coach of Gibbons, WA Cricket Umpire Coach and Talent Specialist James Hewitt said” The appointment of Ashlee to the Female U19 World Cup in Malaysia is testimony to her hard work, commitment to her craft, professionalism and her incredible ability to juggle being mum to her two young children. 

“I know Ashlee well enough that she will be the best prepared umpire at the tournament and she will represent Western Australian umpires with great pride and skill. We are extremely proud of her and I will certainly be watching her matches with interest and pride.”

To find out more about following in Ashlee’s footsteps becoming an umpire in Western Australia, contact HP Umpire Coordinator John Sherry on 0405 897805 or john.sherry@wacricket.com.au or visit