Lahore: In a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, Saleema Imtiaz has been appointed to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, marking her as the first Pakistani woman to achieve this honor. This nomination by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allows her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events, recognizing her long-standing commitment and expertise in cricket umpiring.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Saleema Imtiaz, who is also the mother of Pakistan women’s international player Kainat Imtiaz, began her umpiring career in 2008 with PCB’s Women’s Umpires Panel. Her extensive umpiring credentials include officiating at major tournaments such as the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and 2024, and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong. Most recently, she served on the playing control team at the 2024 ACC Women’s Premier Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Saleema’s pioneering role will see her first officiate in the upcoming Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, alongside Faisal Aafreedi and other noted officials from the PCB and ICC panels. Her appointment is not just a personal achievement but also a progressive step for the PCB in promoting gender equality in cricket.
Saleema expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude for the appointment, noting the significant strides she has made in her career and the example it sets for future generations of female cricket professionals in Pakistan. Her journey highlights the increasing inclusion of women in global sports and sets a precedent for aspiring female cricketers and umpires.