Saleema Imtiaz Becomes First Pakistani Woman to Join ICC Development Umpires Panel

In a historic achievement for Pakistan and women's cricket globally, Saleema Imtiaz has been nominated to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Development Umpires Panel, making her the first Pakistani woman to receive this prestigious honour. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news on Sunday, marking a significant milestone for women's participation in the sport.

Imtiaz’s nomination to the ICC Development Umpires Panel allows her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s events, an opportunity she has worked towards for over a decade. Speaking after the announcement, Imtiaz expressed her pride in achieving a long-held goal. "This isn’t just a personal victory for me, it’s a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan," she said. "I hope that my success motivates other women who dream of making their mark in the sport."

Her journey to this historic achievement began in 2008 when she joined the PCB's Women’s Umpires Panel. Since then, Imtiaz has officiated in several high-profile matches, including tournaments organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over the last three years. Her experience in these events laid the foundation for her rise to international recognition, culminating in her nomination to the ICC panel.

Imtiaz's first major assignment as part of the ICC Development Umpires Panel will see her officiating the upcoming three-match T20 series between Pakistan Women and South Africa Women in Multan, starting Monday. This opportunity marks the beginning of her new journey at the international level, fulfilling a dream she has nurtured since her daughter, Kainat Imtiaz, made her international debut for Pakistan against South Africa in 2010.

Kainat Imtiaz, a talented cricketer herself, has played 40 international matches for Pakistan, including 19 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 21 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Saleema Imtiaz’s decision to pursue a career in umpiring was partly inspired by her daughter's success on the field, but she has always been determined to make her own name in the sport. "My dream was always to represent my country at an international level," Imtiaz said. "While I had opportunities to officiate in ACC tournaments, reaching the highest level has always been my ultimate goal."

Over the years, Imtiaz has become a trailblazer for female umpires in Pakistan, inspiring many women to consider a career in the field of officiating. Her nomination to the ICC panel is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the evolving role of women in cricket. It also reflects the Pakistan Cricket Board's commitment to promoting gender equality and fostering the development of women’s cricket in the country.

The road to this achievement has not been easy, but Imtiaz’s determination to break barriers in a male-dominated field has been unwavering. Throughout her career, she has officiated in various domestic and international matches, gaining valuable experience that prepared her for this next chapter. Her nomination comes at a time when women’s cricket is growing in popularity globally, with more female players and officials taking centre stage.

Imtiaz acknowledged that her success is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of the progress women have made in cricket, particularly in Pakistan. "This moment reflects the growing influence of women in cricket and the PCB's commitment to fostering that development," she said. Her journey serves as an inspiration for other women looking to carve out a place in cricket, whether as players, umpires, or administrators.

The role of an umpire in cricket is a demanding one, requiring a deep understanding of the rules, sharp decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Imtiaz has demonstrated all these qualities throughout her career, earning her the respect of her peers and paving the way for her nomination to the ICC Development Umpires Panel.

As she prepares for her first international series as part of the ICC panel, Imtiaz remains focused on her goal of representing Pakistan at the highest level of officiating. "Officiating at the international level has always been the ultimate goal," she said, reflecting on her journey. Her presence on the ICC Development Umpires Panel is not only a personal achievement but also a step forward for women's empowerment in sports.

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Looking ahead, Imtiaz hopes that her story will inspire more women to get involved in cricket, whether as players or officials. "I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport," she said. Her nomination to the ICC panel marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one that holds the promise of many more accomplishments to come.

As Pakistan continues to develop its women’s cricket program, the rise of figures like Saleema Imtiaz will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport. Her nomination is a clear indication of the progress being made in the region and the growing opportunities for women in cricket. With her dedication and passion for the game, Imtiaz is set to inspire a new generation of female umpires and cricketers in Pakistan and beyond.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and statements made by the individuals involved. For the latest updates on the ICC Development Umpires Panel and related events, please refer to official announcements.]