LAHORE: Saleema Imtiaz has made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to officiate at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, adding another prestigious chapter to a trailblazing career that continues to break barriers.
Saleema Imtiaz becomes Pakistan’s first female to officiate in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/0KIjZMMkyp pic.twitter.com/FyDLHlstTu
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) June 26, 2026
The 54-year-old, who is also the mother of former Pakistan women’s international Kainat Imtiaz, was drafted into the tournament’s officiating panel as a replacement for Lauren Agenberg. She made an immediate impact across multiple fixtures, serving as fourth umpire, on-field umpire, and TV umpire during the tournament.
Her appointment in September 2024 to the ICC International Development Panel, another first for a Pakistani woman, cemented her status as one of the country’s most accomplished cricket officials.
Representing Pakistan on the biggest stage
Speaking from the tournament, Saleema described the moment as the pinnacle of her career and a proud milestone for her country.
“It is a great pleasure to be representing Pakistan at the biggest stage and an honour to become the first woman from my country to officiate in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” she said.
“It’s a dream come true. I’m immensely thankful to everyone, including my family and the PCB, for the invaluable support throughout this journey.”
Salima Imtiaz becomes the first-ever Pakistani woman to officiate at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 👏
She has already served as an on-field umpire twice, TV umpire once, and fourth umpire once during the tournament in England 🏴
A historic milestone for Pakistan and another… pic.twitter.com/EmrgF9MBHa
— M.Umer Hayat (@iUmer12) June 26, 2026
‘I want to inspire more women’
Saleema’s historic achievement comes after more than a decade of dedication. She began her umpiring career with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s women’s panel in 2008 and has since officiated in nine Women’s One-Day Internationals and 58 Women’s Twenty20 Internationals.
But beyond personal glory, she hopes her journey will light the way for others.
“Hopefully, I can inspire more women and girls back home to take up cricket professionally, as players as well as match officials,” she added.
Tournament debut and memorable fixtures
Saleema made her on-field ICC Women’s T20 World Cup debut in the New Zealand versus Scotland fixture in Bristol. She also served as fourth umpire for the India versus South Africa match at Old Trafford and later stood on the field for the India versus Bangladesh clash.
Her tournament duties included acting as TV umpire for the Sri Lanka versus Ireland match on the same day as her on-field debut. She is now set to conclude her assignments as TV umpire for the England versus New Zealand match at The Oval and as fourth umpire for the Australia versus India fixture at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
A pioneering career continues
At 54, Saleema shows no signs of slowing down. Her inclusion in the ICC International Development Panel and her historic World Cup appearance have placed her among the elite umpires in the women’s game.
For Pakistan, her success represents a significant step forward in women’s cricket, and a powerful reminder that opportunity and excellence know no gender.
