Saleema Imtiaz Makes History as First Pakistani Woman to Join ICC International Development Panel as Umpire

Imtiaz is the first Pakistani woman to be an official, which means she is the first female from Pakistan to hold an official position as an umpire recognized by an international body like the ICC (International Cricket Council). This is a significant milestone as it breaks gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated role within the sport of cricket, representing a major achievement for both her personally and for women’s participation in cricket in Pakistan.
Saleema Imtiaz (Credit: msn.com)

History Made 

Saleema Imtiaz has become the first Pakistani woman nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development umpires. Imtiaz’s nomination makes her eligible to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and International Cricket Council women’s events. 

First Appearance

Saleema’s first on-field appearance in a bilateral series will be in the T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa starting on Monday in Multan.

What This Moment Means to Her

“The road has been long, demanding relentless hard work and personal sacrifices. Now, as I prepare to embark on this new chapter, it all feels incredibly rewarding,” said Imtiaz in a statement shared by the PCB. “This achievement isn’t just mine; it’s a victory for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope that my journey inspires many women who are determined to make their mark in this sport. This moment is a testament to the growing presence of women in cricket and the PCB’s dedication to supporting that progress” concluded Imtiaz.

Her Daughter 

Imtiaz’s daughter, Kainat, has represented Pakistan in 40 international games, including 19 one-day internationals and 21 T20s. 

Motivated by her daughter’s debut against South Africa in 2010, Imtiaz pursued her dream of representing Pakistan internationally.

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