Saleema becomes Pakistan’s first woman umpire on ICC International Development Panel

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday nominated umpire Saleema Imtiaz for the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, enabling her to officiate women’s bilateral international matches and ICC women’s events.

The nomination of Saleema, who is the mother of Pakistan Women’s cricketer Kainat Imtiaz, sees her become the first Pakistani female match official to rise to the ICC panel.

PCB said: “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, 52, began her umpiring career with the PCB Women’s Umpires Panel in 2008.

Her extensive career included officiating at high-profile events under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) such as the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cups as well as 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.

“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 press release quoted her as saying.

“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,” Saleema said.