India’s...

“I have been a referee in women’s domestic cricket since 2008 (when BCCI began posting women) and was sort of expecting this promotion. However, I didn’t know it would come so soon. It is yet to sink in,” said Lakshmi, who played for Bihar, East Zone, Andhra and South Zone, between 1986 and 2004.

Employed with the South Central Railway since 1989, the Hyderabad-based Lakshmi continued playing after becoming a mother.

“My mother would take care of my daughter while I was away playing. A lot of credit goes to her for ensuring I continued with cricket as a career,” she said.

“I have not received details as yet regarding the matches I’ll do,” said Lakshmi.

Lakshmi has officiated in more tan 100 matches, including in U-16 and U-19 boys’ matches.

Before Lakshmi’s appointment on Tuesday, former India pacer Javagal Srinath was the only Indian in the ICC’S current international panel of match referees.

The panel now has eight members.