Historic Moment for Pakistan: PCB Welcomes Its First International Female Umpire

A new history has been created yet again in our neighbouring country of Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday that Saleema Imtiaz of Pakistan has been nominated as the first female for the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires.

This historic nomination of Saleema Imtiaz to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Development Umpire Panel will make her the first Pakistani woman to achieve this prestigious role. This nomination will be her ticket to officiate in women's bilateral international matches and ICC women's competitions.

Saleema Imtiaz: First Pakistani Female Umpire

Expressing her joy, Saleema said, "This is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for every female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success will inspire more women to pursue their passion and leave a mark on the sport."

In a statement issued by the PCB, Imtiaz said, "The journey has been filled with hard work and personal sacrifices, but now, standing at the cusp of this new chapter, it feels worth it."

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Saleema’s Family of Cricket

Saleema Imtiaz has made history as the first Pakistani female umpire to join the ICC International Development Panel. Reflecting on this milestone, she also mentioned her daughter, Kainat Imtiaz, an international cricket player who has represented Pakistan in 40 international matches, including 19 ODIs and 21 T20s. 

Saleema Imtiaz: Career Not Less than A Struggle

After joining the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) women's umpire panel in 2008, Saleema Imtiaz has spent the previous three years officiating in several Asian Cricket Council competitions, where she has garnered invaluable experience.

Saleema is now qualified to officiate women's bilateral international matches and ICC women's competitions as a result of her placement on the panel. She has now been assigned to her first bilateral series on-field appointment. 

This next three-match T20 series between the women's teams of Pakistan and South Africa will feature Saleema officiating her first international match. This will be a major turning point in her umpiring career.

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