The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced that umpire Saleema Imtiaz has been nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. This prestigious appointment allows her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC women’s events. With this nomination, Saleema Imtiaz becomes the first female umpire from Pakistan to join the ICC panel.
Saleema, who is also the mother of Pakistan Women’s cricketer Kainat Imtiaz, began her umpiring career with the PCB Women’s Umpires Panel in 2008. Her extensive career includes officiating at major events under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), such as the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cups and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong. Most recently, she was part of the umpiring panel for the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
In a press release, the PCB praised her achievement, stating, “With her nomination to the ICC International Panel, Saleema Imtiaz not only breaks barriers but also sets an inspiring precedent for the next generation of female cricket professionals.”
Saleema expressed her excitement about the new role, saying, “I am beyond thrilled to join the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. I owe immense gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for the invaluable opportunities that paved the way for this achievement. 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.”
She added, “This isn’t just a win for me — it’s a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport. This moment reflects the growing influence of women in cricket and the PCB’s commitment to fostering that development. I sincerely hope to see more women follow in my footsteps and embrace this beautiful game.”
Saleema’s first assignment in a bilateral series will be officiating the Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, starting on Monday.
