Saleema Imtiaz to Make Umpiring Debut in Pakistan-South Africa Women’s ODI Series
Historic moment as Pakistan’s first female ICC development umpire takes charge in Lahore
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Saleema Imtiaz will make her on-field umpiring debut in the upcoming women’s ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa, marking a milestone moment for women’s cricket in the country.
The three-match series will be held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from September 16 to 22. Saleema, who last year became the first Pakistani woman to join the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires, is now set to take charge in her first international series. Her inclusion allows her to officiate in women’s bilateral international fixtures and ICC women’s tournaments, underscoring her rising profile in the umpiring fraternity.
Joining Saleema will be Australia’s Claire Polosak, a seasoned umpire from the ICC International Panel who previously officiated in the Pakistan v West Indies women’s series in Karachi. Polosak is scheduled to stand in all three ODIs as an on-field umpire.
The PCB confirmed that Humairah Farah has been named reserve umpire for the series, while Tariq Rasheed from the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires will also officiate as an on-field umpire. Former Pakistan Test cricketer Ali Naqvi, a member of both the PCB and ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team.
The appointments reflect not only Pakistan’s growing emphasis on women’s participation in cricket officiating but also the ICC’s continued push for greater female representation in global cricket governance and match management.
