“Empowerment is not just a word; it’s a shot played confidently, and Saleema Imtiaz is the perfect example.” ICC Official
First Pakistani woman nominated as international cricket umpire saleema imtiaz. Saleema Imtiaz’s groundbreaking appointment as ICC umpire, Empowering Women in Cricket, is remarkable.
Saleema Imtiaz, first Pakistani woman to be named international cricket umpire, according to PCB.
Saleema Imtiaz is the first Pakistani woman elected to the coveted ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. This nomination qualifies her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s presence in international cricket officiating.
Saleema, the mother of Pakistan women’s player Kainat Imtiaz, began her umpiring career in 2008 with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Women’s Umpires Panel.
I owe immense gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for the invaluable opportunities that paved the way for this achievement,” says Saleema Imtiaz
Over the years, she has created a fantastic portfolio, officiating at various high-profile tournaments, including the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong. Recently, she was part of the playing control team for the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Her promotion to the ICC panel shows her role as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s cricket history. Saleema’s maiden international on-field appointment will be during the forthcoming Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan.
She will be accompanied by Nasir Hussain from the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires, with Humairah Farah serving as the third umpire, and Muhammad Javed Malik, from the PCB International Panel, functioning as match referee. In her statement, Saleema expressed:
“This achievement is the culmination of years of hard work and personal sacrifices.”
This is a win for me and all aspiring female cricketers and umpires in Pakistan. My success can inspire other women to chase their dreams in cricket.
At 53, Saleema’s unprecedented performance establishes a tremendous example for future generations of women in cricket while demonstrating the PCB’s dedication to boosting women’s participation in cricket. Additionally, the PCB has confirmed its match officials for the 2024-25 cricket season.