Physical Address
Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan women’s fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career, but she is not walking away from the sport. The right-arm pacer is now beginning a new chapter as a match referee.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Imtiaz represented Pakistan in 19 One-Day Internationals and 21 T20 Internationals. She made her T20I debut against South Africa in Potchefstroom in October 2010 and later made her ODI debut against Ireland in Fatullah, Bangladesh.
A Career Featuring Major Tournaments
Imtiaz was part of Pakistan’s gold-medal-winning women’s cricket squads at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. She also represented Pakistan at the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played four matches, and was part of the squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Her final international appearances came in the early stages of the 2020s. She played her last T20I against Thailand in October 2022, while her final ODI came against Australia at the Gabba in January 2023.
Although her international playing opportunities became limited toward the end of her career, Imtiaz continued to remain connected with cricket through commentary and presenting.
From Player to Match Referee
Imtiaz has now chosen to remain within the game by moving into match officiating. She recently worked as a match referee at the PCB National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament, held during August and September.
Her transition represents another route for former players to contribute to the development of women’s cricket. Rather than leaving the sport after retirement, Imtiaz will now use her experience from years on the field in an official capacity.
Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps
The move also has a special family connection. Imtiaz’s mother, Saleema Imtiaz, made history in 2024 by becoming the first Pakistani woman to join the ICC’s International Development Panel of umpires. She has since officiated in nine Women’s ODIs and 69 Women’s T20Is.
Kainat’s decision to become a match referee therefore continues a family legacy in cricket officiating.
Her international playing career may have come to an end, but Kainat Imtiaz is staying firmly connected to the game. Her move from player to match referee could also inspire more women cricketers to explore careers beyond playing while continuing to contribute to Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
