The ongoing National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium saw a mother-daughter duo take to the field together.
While daughter Kainat Imtiaz, a Pakistan international, donned the PCB Dynamites’ colours, her mother Saleema Imtiaz is carrying out match officials’ duties.
Saleema was passionate about cricket and played it in the streets while growing up. She couldn’t play it on the grounds but it was her love for the cricket that brought her towards the profession of umpiring in 2006.
“Kainat is fulfilling my dream,” says Saleema. “My childhood dream was to represent Pakistan. She is not only a good daughter but also a great cricketer.”
Kainat, who made her Pakistan debut in October 2010, said her mother inspired her to pursue this profession.
“I feel proud when I look at my mom. She took up umpiring to fulfill her passion to be in the ground,” said the cricketer. “Growing up there was a lot of interest in cricket in my house as my both 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.”
The duo has not been involved in the same match played under the auspices of the PCB but Kainat has played with her mother as an umpire in local matches.
“There is more pressure on both of us when we are involved in the same match,” says Kainat.
“I have been umpiring since 2006 and I want to be in ICC’s umpiring panel. I wish to preside international matches and make a name for my country,” Saleema remarked.
