Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a landmark achievement for Pakistani cricket with Saleema Imtiaz being named as the first Pakistani woman on the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. This esteemed nomination qualifies her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events, representing a significant milestone in the history of Pakistan’s cricket.

Saleema, mother of Pakistan women’s international player Kainat Imtiaz, started her umpiring career with the PCB Women’s Umpires Panel in 2008. Her extensive experience includes officiating at major events under the Asian Cricket Council, such as the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong. Most recently, she was part of the playing control team for the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.

Saleema’s elevation to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires solidifies her position as a pioneer in the sport.

Her debut appointment in a bilateral series will involve officiating the Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, starting on Monday. She will be accompanied by Faisal Aafreedi from the PCB International Panel of Umpires, with Nasir Hussain serving as the TV umpire.

Humairah Farah will be the fourth umpire, and Muhammad Javed Malik from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees will act as the match referee.

Saleema Imtiaz’s inclusion in the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires not only breaks new ground but also sets a powerful example for future generations of female cricket professionals.