Salima Imtiaz has become the first woman from Pakistan to be named in the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. She can now umpire in bilateral international matches of women’s cricket and ICC women’s events. Let us tell you, Salima Imtiaz is the mother of Pakistani women cricketer Kainat Imtiaz.

Salima is very happy after achieving this feat. She said that this is not just her victory, it is the victory of every female cricketer and umpire of Pakistan.

I hope more women follow in my footsteps- Salima Imtiaz

Salima will take up her first assignment by umpiring in the Pakistan-South Africa Women’s T20 International series to be held in Multan from December 16. After being named in the ICC Development Umpire Panel, Salima Imtiaz said while speaking on the official website of the Pakistan Cricket Board,

I am extremely happy to be included in the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. I am extremely grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving me the invaluable opportunity to achieve this feat. This journey has been full of hard work and personal sacrifices, but now, standing on this new chapter, it all feels worthwhile.

Salima Imtiaz further said,

This is not just my victory – it is the victory of every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success will inspire countless women who dream of making a mark in the sport. I hope more women follow in my footsteps and take up this beautiful game.

Salima Imtiaz started her umpiring career after being named in the PCB women’s umpire panel in 2008. She has umpired in the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong. At the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, she was a member of the control team.