Kainat Imtiaz Retires: Pakistan Women Pacer Announces International Cricket Retirement, Transitions to Match Referee Role
Pakistan's fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket today, October 4, 2026, after a 13-year career. The 34-year-old, a two-time Asian Games gold medalist, will now transition into a match referee role, following in the footsteps of her mother, international umpire Saleema Imtiaz.
Pakistan's prominent right-arm medium-fast bowler, Kainat Imtiaz, today, October 4, 2026, officially announced her retirement from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 13-year career with the national team. The 34-year-old, born on June 21, 1992, is now poised to transition into a new role within the sport, taking up duties as a match referee.┬аShadab Khan Birthday Special: Celebrating Pakistan's All-Rounder As Champions Trophy Winner Turns 28.
Kainat Imtiaz Announces International Retirement
Fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket after representing Pakistan womenтАЩs cricket team in 19 One-Day Internationals and 21 T20 Internationals across 13 years.
She recently began her career as match referee. PCB https://t.co/UVPQUvXHYg
тАФ Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) October 4, 2026
Imtiaz's decision comes as she has already begun her journey in officiating, having served as a match referee during the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) National Women's U19 T20 Tournament held in August and September. This move also highlights a unique family legacy, as her mother, Saleema Imtiaz, made history as Pakistan's first woman umpire on the International Cricket Council (ICC) International Panel of Development Umpires in 2024.
A Career of Dedication and Gold
Kainat Imtiaz made her T20 International debut for Pakistan on October 16, 2010, against South Africa in Potchefstroom, becoming Pakistan women's T20I cap number 22. Her One-Day International debut followed on November 15, 2011, against Ireland in Fatullah. Throughout her career, Imtiaz represented Pakistan in 19 ODIs and 21 T20Is, showcasing her all-round capabilities.
Her international journey saw her pick up 10 wickets in ODIs with a best of 3/49, and 8 wickets in T20Is, including a best of 2/18. With the bat, she scored 128 runs in ODIs and 120 runs in T20Is. Beyond individual statistics, Imtiaz was a crucial part of Pakistan's success on the international stage, notably contributing to the women's squads that secured gold medals at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
She also proudly represented Pakistan at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017, featuring in four matches, and was part of the squad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.┬аShoaib Akhtar Rubbishes PCB Chief Selector Rumours, Recalls MotherтАЩs Advice.
Transition to Officiating
Imtiaz's last international appearance in a T20I was against Thailand in Sylhet on October 6, 2022, while her final ODI match was against Australia at The Gabba in January 2023. Her career in cricket began much earlier, in February 2007, representing the Karachi Schools U17 team in the PCB National Schools U17 Women's Championship.
Her move to officiating marks a new chapter, allowing her to continue contributing to the sport she has passionately served for over a decade. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed her retirement, acknowledging her significant contributions to women's cricket.
Kainat Imtiaz's retirement closes a chapter on a resilient playing career, but opens another, where her experience and understanding of the game will undoubtedly benefit the next generation of cricketers from the officiating side.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 04, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
