Vinay Nayudu
Doha
ICC woman umpire Kerrin Klaaste from South Africa, who is officiating in the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC) Masters says she’s having a great time both on and off the field in Qatar.
The 25-year-old is one of the five women officiating team overseeing the men’s legends tournament and in very impressive fashion.
Apart from Klaaste, the others are Jasmine Naeem, Nimali Perera, Shivani Mishra and Match Refereee Narasimhan Vijeylaxmi.
Klaaste has stood out with her umpiring decision especially the leg before wicket ones which have many a time have matched the DRS, run-outs and edges of the bat. In one of the games last week, she was seen convincing Asia Lions skipper Shahid Afridi - a video of which has been viral since.
On Sunday, Klaaste, Mishra (who is from Qatar Cricket Association) and others were out in the deserts of Qatar for sightseeing ahead of the LLC Masters final on Monday.
Speaking of her experience here to Qatar Tribune, Klasste said, "It’s been one of the most incredible experiences ever. The people and the culture here is quite different from back home, in the best way possible.
"The country in itself is an experience. One can’t quite sum up how rich they are in terms of morals and values, respect, humility and how enthusiastic the fans are about cricket. It’s amazing to witness,” she stressed.
With the women officials coming together in March - a month which celebrates International Women’s Day, their skills have also been tested being under the cameras at all times. "Being a part of an all-female match officials team is always exhilarating because each of us can relate to the next person’s experience,” said Klaaste.
On her experience of officiating former stars of men’s cricket, she said, "The calibre of players participating has added to the standard of cricket being played. It’s been an absolute honour and pleasure to officiate for gentlemen of such stature as I had only ever heard of them and unfortunately only got to watch them now play closer towards their retirement.
"So being here has given me the opportunity to umpire for players that I’ve only ever been able to admire from the stands.”
While being in game of former international stars is the first time for Klaaste, but not the first time officiating in a men’s tournament. "I have officiated in several men’s tournaments prior to this, but not one quite this prestigious. This has also been my first official exposure to DRS and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. From an umpiring perspective, it brings a new element into my game. My processes have had to adapt to the feature for the better.
"The pace of play in men’s games keeps you on your toes, so I quite enjoy it,” she said.
On her decision-making with near perfection, she explained, "I wish that was the case. I try and give 101% in every game and be in the best possible position for a run-out for example. One needs to know when and how to transfer the pressure too, so that assist my game.
"I have to give credit to my other colleagues in the team as well as we always work as a unit when it comes to decision making.”
Klaaste was appointed to the International Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC Development Umpires in 2022. She is the second female South African to be on the panel with 59 umpires from across the globe.
Klaaste’s love for the game started as a young player in the Northern Cape which saw her passion flowing through the other avenues of the game before she moved to the South Western Districts in Oudtshoorn.