Umpire Saleema Imtiaz added a new feather after becoming the first woman from her country to be included in the ICC International Development Panel of Umpires as well, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday. Having already officiated in 22 T20Is, 16 as an on-field umpire and six as a TV umpire, Saleema rose in her career of umpiring.
After taking the huge step, Saleema applauded her daughter Kainat Imtiaz for inspiring her with passion and energy as well. Kainat has played international cricket for Pakistan and she has worked as a commentator too. She is also a part of the commentary panel for the upcoming T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa as well.
“Kainat Imtiaz is fulfilling my dream. My dream was to represent Pakistan. Apart from being a good daughter, Kainat is also a good cricketer. I have played a lot of cricket in my mohallas while growing up. In 2006, I took up umpiring and I get inspired by Kainat as she is good and energetic,” Saleema told Pakistan Cricket.
ALSO READ: “Shubman’s captaincy is very good” – Ravi Bishnoi on Shubman Gill
Kainat, who has played 19 ODIs and 21 T20Is, said that she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her mother and bring in laurels for her country as well. Kainat also talked about the pressure of matches where both of them take part.
“I feel proud when I look at my mom. She took up umpiring to fulfill her passion of being on the ground. I look forward to being like my mom and translating my passion for cricket into something which I can return more to my country,” Kainat Imtiaz said. “Growing up there was a lot of interest in cricket in my house as both my parents are sports instructors. They used to be at my school, so all of my sporting activities have been under them right from the beginning. I am very fortunate to have mentors in them at home.”
“In local tournaments, I have played in the matches which were officiated by her. Such games put more pressure on me, and she is even under pressure. I am not certain about the future and whether I will take up umpiring as a profession, but I am very sure that I want to serve Pakistan as much as possible,” Kainat Imtiaz concluded.
