Saleema Imtiaz marked a major milestone in Pakistan cricket after becoming the first woman to be nominated to the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires earlier in September.

The prestigious nomination qualifies Imtiaz to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events.

The 52-year-old saw her first on-field appointment by officiating in the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series between Pakistan and South Africa held in Multan the same month.

In an exclusive interview with Nukta, Imtiaz talks about the challenges she faced in her umpiring journey, the dynamics of the game, her bond with daughter Kainat Imtiaz and future goals.