Like mother, like daughter - the Imtiaz duo making a mark

Tales of father and sons playing together
for the same side have been witnessed in cricket. But in the National Triangular
T20 Women’s Cricket Championship in Pakistan, there is mother-daughter duo of a
different kind.

Kainat Imtiaz, playing for PCB Dynamites at
the National Stadium in Karachi, has her mother doing her duties on the field,
but not exactly in the same vein. Saleema Imtiaz has donned the hat of a match
official and is an umpire for the tournament.

“Kainat is fulfilling my dream,” said
Saleema. “My childhood dream was to represent Pakistan. She is not only a good
daughter, but also a good cricketer.”

Though she couldn’t play cricket at the
highest level, her love for the game made her take to umpiring since 2006. Her
mother’s love and passion for the game inspired Kainat, who made her
international debut in October 2010.

“I feel proud when I look at my mom. She
took up umpiring to fulfil her passion of being in the ground,” said Kainat. “I
want to be like my mom and translate my passion for cricket into something
through which I can return to my country, even after my career as a player. 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.”

Kainat has played in games where her mother
has been the umpire but that is yet to happen in games under the Pakistan
Cricket Board (PCB). “There is more pressure on both of us when we are involved
in the same match,” revealed the 27-year-old.

"I have been umpiring since 2006 and I want to be in ICC’s umpiring panel. I wish to officiate international matches and make a name for my country," said Saleema, who was a part of PCB’s pre-season workshop for umpires and match officials.