Cricket Milestones: Saleema Imtiaz Becomes First Pakistani Woman to Officiate at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

Pakistan celebrated a landmark moment in sports history as Saleema Imtiaz became the first woman from the country to officiate at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Her inclusion in the global tournament stands as a defining breakthrough, reflecting the expanding role and visibility of women within international cricket administration. The appointment follows her historic induction into the ICC International Development Panel in September 2024, a milestone that cemented her reputation for professional consistency and technical expertise.

Drafted onto the World Cup officiating panel as a replacement for Lauren Agenbag, the 54-year-old transitioned seamlessly into top-tier tournament duties. Throughout the event, she handled multiple high-pressure assignments across prominent venues in the United Kingdom, serving as a third (TV) umpire, fourth official, and on-field umpire. Her schedule featured on-field appearances during the New Zealand vs. Scotland fixture at Bristol and the India vs. Bangladesh clash at Old Trafford, alongside crucial assignments at iconic grounds like The Oval and Lord’s.

Imtiaz’s journey to the elite stage is backed by nearly two decades of commitment, having launched her career with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) women’s umpiring panel back in 2008. Over the years, she has accumulated extensive experience, standing in 9 Women’s One-Day Internationals (WODIs) and 58 Women’s Twenty20 Internationals (WT20Is). Her connection to the sport is also uniquely familial, as she is the mother of former Pakistan women's international cricketer Kainat Imtiaz—representing a rare, inspiring mother-daughter contribution to the national game.

By breaking traditional barriers in cricket officiating, Imtiaz has set a powerful precedent for aspiring female umpires and young sports enthusiasts nationwide. Her achievement underscores the reality that professional pathways in cricket extend far beyond the playing eleven, carving out an enduring legacy in Pakistan’s sporting landscape.