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Pakistan women’s cricketer Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket after a 13-year journey with the national team. The two-time Asian Games gold medalist will now continue her association with cricket in a new role as a match referee.
Kainat announced her decision through a social media post, bringing an end to her international playing career. She represented Pakistan in 40 international matches and was part of several major tournaments during her career.
Kainat Imtiaz Retirement: Pakistan Cricketer Announces International Exit
Kainat Imtiaz has decided to step away from international cricket after spending 13 years representing Pakistan in the green jersey.
While announcing her retirement, Kainat thanked her coaches, teammates, the Pakistan Cricket Board, fans and her family for their support throughout her career.
However, her association with cricket will continue. The former Pakistan cricketer is now preparing to begin a new chapter as a match referee.
Kainat Imtiaz Won 2 Asian Games Gold Medals With Pakistan
One of the biggest achievements of Kainat Imtiaz’s career came at the Asian Games.
She was part of the Pakistan women’s cricket team that won gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. These two titles remain among the most notable achievements of her international career.
Kainat also represented Pakistan at major international events, including the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Kainat Imtiaz’s 13-Year Pakistan Cricket Journey
Kainat’s journey towards international cricket began in 2007, when she played for the Karachi Schools U17 team. She had dreamed of representing Pakistan and eventually earned a place in the national side.
In 2010, she received T20I cap number 22 and made her international debut. Her first match remains one of her most memorable cricketing moments, as she bowled a double-wicket maiden over.
Over the following years, she remained involved with Pakistan women’s cricket across different tournaments and formats.
Kainat Imtiaz Career Stats: 40 International Matches for Pakistan
Kainat Imtiaz played 40 international matches for Pakistan, including 19 ODIs and 21 T20Is.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 19 | 134 | 10 |
| T20I | 21 | - | 8 |
| Total | 40 | 134+ | 18 |
Her final international appearance for Pakistan came in 2023.
Kainat Imtiaz to Become Match Referee After Retirement
Kainat Imtiaz will remain connected to cricket despite ending her international playing career. She is now set to take up a new role as a match referee.
Before moving into match officiating, Kainat had already spent around three years working in commentary and presenting.
Her transition shows that a career in cricket can continue beyond playing on the field. Kainat also hopes to encourage young girls to consider different career paths within the sport, including officiating, commentary and presenting.
Kainat Imtiaz Credits Mother Saleema Imtiaz for Inspiration
Kainat also expressed gratitude to her mother, Saleema Imtiaz, who has played an important role in her cricket journey.
Saleema Imtiaz became the first Pakistani woman to be included in the ICC Development Panel of umpires. Kainat has credited her mother as one of her biggest inspirations and thanked her for the constant support throughout her career.
Kainat Imtiaz’s Final International Match Came in 2023
Kainat’s international playing career officially came to an end after her last appearance for Pakistan in 2023. She leaves the international game having represented Pakistan in 40 matches and won two Asian Games gold medals as part of the national team.
Now, she will look to make an impact from a different position as a match referee, beginning a fresh chapter in her cricket career.
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