The death of former Zimbabwean women’s cricket player and international umpire Sarah Dambanevana has caused the International Cricket Council (ICC) great sorrow.
Sarah Dambanevana, who passed away after a brief illness, was a fast bowler for Zimbabwe before switching to officiating, where she became one of the nation’s first female match officials. Her transition from international cricket player to umpire demonstrated her unwavering devotion to the sport and her will to advance women’s cricket.
ICC is deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana
In 2022, she joined the ICC Development Umpires Panel as the first female umpire from Zimbabwe, and in January 2023, she was appointed to her first ICC position at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Sarah Dambanevana made her international umpiring debut on September 2, 2023, in the Kenya vs. Botswana women’s Twenty20 International in Gaborone, Botswana. Thanks to her impressive performances, she advanced steadily until being chosen to officiate at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates.
She had officiated 72 senior international games at the age of 36, including 48 women’s T20Is, 10 men’s T20Is, and 14 women’s ODIs.
Sarah Dambanevana’s most recent game took place on February 1, 2026, during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal, in a Twenty20 International between Ireland and Thailand.
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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sarah Dambanevana,” stated Mr. Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC. Sarah’s journey from playing for Zimbabwe to becoming an international umpire was an inspiration, and her accomplishments made it possible for more women to pursue careers in cricket officiating. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and her contribution to the game will be remembered with great respect. I offer the ICC’s sincere condolences to her family, friends, coworkers, and the cricket community in Zimbabwe during this trying time.
The ICC offers its sincere condolences to Zimbabwe Cricket and Dambanevana’s family during this difficult time.
