Saleema Imtiaz has made history as the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, a landmark achievement for Pakistan's cricketing landscape. This nomination, announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, qualifies her to officiate in women's bilateral international matches and prestigious ICC women’s events, marking a significant step forward for female representation in cricket officiating.

Imtiaz's first assignment in her new role will see her officiating the T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa, starting on Monday in Multan. This series will be her first on-field appearance in a bilateral series under the ICC banner, a proud moment for both her and Pakistan.

Reflecting on her journey, Imtiaz acknowledged the hard work and personal sacrifices that have brought her to this stage. "The journey has been filled with hard work and personal sacrifices, but now, standing at the cusp of this new chapter, it all feels worth it," she shared in a statement released by the PCB. "This isn't just a win for me; it's a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan."

Imtiaz, who is also the mother of Pakistan cricketer Kainat Imtiaz, emphasized that her achievement reflects the growing influence of women in cricket. "I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport. This moment is a reflection of the PCB's commitment to fostering the development of women in cricket."

Her journey into umpiring began in 2008 when she joined the PCB’s women’s umpiring panel. Over the years, Imtiaz has officiated in several high-profile matches, including the 2022 Women's Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women's Cup. She has served as the on-field umpire in 16 T20 Internationals and officiated as the TV umpire in six more, with her most recent appearance being the Women's Asia Cup final between Sri Lanka and India in Dambulla.

Saleema's inspiration to reach this international milestone was closely linked to her daughter Kainat's debut for Pakistan in 2010. "Ever since Kainat made her debut for Pakistan, my own dream has been to represent my country at an international level. While I've had opportunities with the Asian Cricket Council, officiating at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal."

As Saleema Imtiaz continues her journey in international cricket officiating, her story stands as a testament to the growing opportunities for women in the sport and serves as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes and match officials.