Saleema Imtiaz breaks new ground as Pakistan’s first woman umpire on ICC International Development Panel

Saleema Imtiaz who is the mother of Pak cricketer Kainat Imtiaz has made a record after becoming the first female umpire from Pakistan to be included in the ICC International Development panel of umpires. Having already umpired in 22 T20Is, 16 as on field umpire and 6 as TV umpire. The PCB made the announcement yesterday, 15th Sept 2024.

After she got the news, Saleema called in her daughter, Kainat Imtiaz to thank her as she was the person who inspired her with her passion and energy. Kainat Imtiaz is a part of the Pak women’s national cricket team and is also a commentator for the upcoming Pak vs South Africa T20 international series.

In an interview Saleema Imtiaz stated, “Kainat is fulfilling my dream. My dream was to represent Pakistan. Apart from being a good daughter, Kainat is also a good cricketer. I have played a lot of cricket in my mohallas while growing up. In 2006, I took up umpiring and I got inspired by Kainat as she is good and energetic.” 

2022 was a crucial year for Saleema as the Asian Cricket Council decided to have an all female umpire panel for the Women Asia Cup that was held in Bangladesh. She made her debut as an umpire there in the group stage match of India vs Sri Lanka at the Sylhet Outer Cricket Stadium.

Daughter Kainat till now has played in 19 One Day Internationals and 21 T20 Internationals. She said that like her mother she would like to pursue and contribute to the nation by playing more matches and doing commentary. Belonging from a family with a sports background, she also spoke about the pressure of matches in which they both take part together.