Pakistani fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket. The bowler, who represented the Pakistan women's team for 13 years, played 19 matches in ODI format and 21 matches in T20 International.
During her ODI career, Kainat scored 134 runs and took 10 wickets. In T20 International, her statistics include 8 wickets and 137 runs. Besides her sporting achievements, Kainat Imtiaz often attracted attention due to her appearance and glamorous image. In March 2022, she married businessman Mohammad Waqar Uddin.
Despite leaving international sports, 34-year-old Kainat Imtiaz has not completely distanced herself from the game. She has started a new venture as a match referee. Recently, she served as a referee at the National U-19 Women's T20 tournament held in August-September.
Kainat Imtiaz's debut in T20 International was in October 2010 against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, making her the 22nd player to represent Pakistan in this format. After that, she also started playing in ODIs, debuting against Ireland in Faisalabad, Bangladesh. She became the 64th female cricketer to play for Pakistan in ODIs.
Kainat Imtiaz also represented Pakistan at the Women's Cricket World Cup in 2017, where she managed to play in four matches. Among her main achievements are two gold medals at the Asian Games—she was part of the team that won gold at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010 and in Incheon in 2014. Furthermore, she participated in the Commonwealth Games in 2022, representing Pakistan. Her last international match was in 2023; her last ODI was played in the Gabba against Australia in January 2023, and her last T20 International was in Sylhet against Thailand in October 2022.
Before reaching the international level, Kainat Imtiaz began building her cricket career much earlier. In February 2007, she represented the Karachi Schools U-17 team at the PCB Women's U-17 National School Championship. The following year, in March 2008, she started playing in local List-A matches. In 2008, she also debuted in local T20 cricket, meaning that before reaching the international level, Kainat prepared at the junior and local competition level for about three years.
For Kainat Imtiaz, cricket is not only a profession but also a family legacy. Her mother, Salima Imtiaz, achieved historical success in Pakistani cricket. In 2024, Salima became the first female umpire from Pakistan appointed to the ICC Development Committee. Following this, she also gained international recognition. Currently, Salima has officiated nine ODI matches and 69 T20 International matches as an umpire.
Thus, Kainat Imtiaz's transition from the status of an athlete to a match referee gives her connection with cricket a new dimension. After 13 years in the Pakistan jersey, she will now appear on the field as an official judge, rather than a player.