Saleema Imtiaz creates history: Saleema Imtiaz has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first female umpire from Pakistan to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday. The prestigious nomination will allow Imtiaz to officiate in women's bilateral international matches and ICC tournaments, making her the first Pakistani woman to reach this level in the field of umpiring.

Imtiaz's umpiring journey began in 2008 when she joined the PCB's women's umpire panel. Her passion for umpiring was further fuelled by her daughter Kainat's international debut against South Africa in 2010. Kainat has since played 40 matches for Pakistan, including 19 ODIs and 21 T20Is.

This is the victory of every Pakistani woman- Salima.

Imtiaz expressed pride in the achievement and hoped it would inspire other women in Pakistan. "This is not just my victory, it is the victory of every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success will inspire countless women who dream of making a mark in the sport," she said. She also highlighted the growing role of women in cricket and credited the PCB's commitment to supporting female athletes and officials.

Will umpire for the first time in South Africa series

"My own dream was to represent my country at the international level," Salima Imtiaz said. "I have had opportunities with the Asian Cricket Council, but umpiring at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal." Imtiaz's first assignment on the international panel will be to officiate in the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa women, which begins in Multan on Monday.