Cotton made her international debut as an on-field official last season during the Windies Women’s tour of New Zealand, and has more recently umpired in the ICC Women’s World T20 regional qualifier 2018 in Fiji. She has also been a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) reserve umpire since 2016-17.

“It was a pleasant surprise when I was notified and I am thrilled by the appointment,” said Cotton. “I really enjoy umpiring cricket and this appointment will provide me with new opportunities, which is really exciting.” 

Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri, NZC Match Officials Manager, said Cotton’s selection was a recognition of her strong performances. “Kim is a great example of the pathway for female cricket umpiring in New Zealand,” Eden-Whaitiri said.

“After launching her career in Canterbury club cricket, she worked her way through the NZC system.”

The development panel is a pathway for umpires from Associate and Affiliate nations as well as women umpires to gain experience and move up the ladder.