Pakistani umpire Saleema Imtiaz has made history as the first woman from Pakistan to be nominated to the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires. The 52-year-old’s nomination allows her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events, a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
Imtiaz, who began her umpiring career in 2008 with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Women’s Umpires Panel, has extensive experience in high-profile tournaments such as the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup. She is also the mother of Pakistani international cricketer Kainat Imtiaz.
“I am beyond thrilled to join the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires,” Imtiaz said in a PCB press release. She expressed immense gratitude to the PCB for the opportunities that led to her achievement, emphasizing the hard work and sacrifices involved in her journey.
Imtiaz hopes her success will inspire aspiring women cricketers and umpires in Pakistan, showcasing the growing influence of women in cricket and the PCB’s commitment to their development.
Her first on-field assignment will be officiating the Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, starting Monday. Partnered with Nasir Hussain from the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires, Imtiaz will work alongside third umpire Humairah Farah, while match referee Muhammad Javed Malik will oversee the series.
The PCB celebrated Imtiaz’s nomination, stating that her achievement sets an inspiring precedent for future generations of female cricket professionals.
