ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Saleema Imtiaz has been nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, becoming the first woman from Pakistan to earn this prestigious distinction. This historic appointment will enable Saleema to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s events.
Saleema Imtiaz, who is also the mother of Pakistan women’s international cricketer Kainat Imtiaz, has had a remarkable journey in umpiring since she began her career with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Women’s Umpires Panel in 2008.
Over the years, she has gained valuable experience by officiating at several high-profile events under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), including the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and 2024, the ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong in 2023, and most recently, the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Saleema’s new role on the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires will see her officiating in the upcoming Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, which is set to begin on Monday. For this series, Saleema will be supported by Faisal Aafreedi from the PCB International Panel of Umpires, with Nasir Hussain serving as the TV umpire. Humairah Farah will take on the role of fourth umpire, and Muhammad Javed Malik from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees will oversee the series as the match referee.
Expressing her excitement about the nomination, Saleema Imtiaz said, “I am beyond thrilled to join the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. The journey has been filled with hard work and personal sacrifices, but now, standing at the cusp of this new chapter, it all feels worth it. This achievement is not just a personal victory but a milestone for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan.”
READ ALSO: BJP’s Efforts to Undermine Muslim Identity in Jammu and Kashmir
Saleema’s appointment reflects the increasing presence and influence of women in cricket. She expressed hope that her success would inspire many more women to pursue their dreams in the sport. “I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in cricket,” she remarked. “This moment reflects the growing influence of women in cricket, and I sincerely hope to see more women follow in my footsteps and embrace this beautiful game.”
Reflecting on her aspirations, Saleema noted that her desire to represent Pakistan at the international level was fueled by her daughter Kainat’s debut for the national side in 2010. Despite having multiple opportunities with the Asian Cricket Council, she regarded officiating at the highest level as her ultimate goal.
