Pakistan women’s cricket has bid farewell to another experienced international player as fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz announces retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career with the national team. The right-arm pacer represented Pakistan in 19 One-Day Internationals and 21 T20 Internationals, bringing an end to a journey that included major international tournaments and two Asian Games gold medals.
Kainat Imtiaz Retires After 13-Year International Career
Kainat Imtiaz made her international debut in October 2010, when she represented Pakistan against South Africa in Potchefstroom in a T20I. She became Pakistan women’s T20I cap number 22. Her ODI debut followed against Ireland in Fatullah, Bangladesh, giving her the opportunity to establish herself in Pakistan’s international setup across both limited-overs formats.
Across her international career, Kainat featured in 40 matches for Pakistan, including 19 ODIs and 21 T20Is. Although her appearances were spread over several years, she remained part of the national setup during important periods for Pakistan women’s cricket.
Her international journey also included participation in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017, where she played four matches. She was also part of Pakistan’s squads at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games, with Pakistan winning gold medals on both occasions.
A Career Featuring Major International Events
One of the notable aspects of Kainat’s career was her involvement in several important multi-sport and international cricket events. Alongside her World Cup appearance, she represented Pakistan at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, adding another major international tournament to her career résumé.
Kainat began her cricket journey well before making her international debut. She represented the Karachi Schools Under-17 team in the PCB National Schools Under-17 Women’s Championship in February 2007. She subsequently progressed into domestic cricket, making her List A debut in 2008 before moving into the international arena.
Her career reflects the development of women’s cricket in Pakistan over the past two decades, as players increasingly received opportunities to compete at international tournaments and represent the country on major stages.
Kainat Imtiaz Moves Into Match Refereeing
While Kainat Imtiaz announces retirement from international cricket, her association with the sport is not coming to an end. Instead, the former Pakistan fast bowler has already started a new chapter as a match referee.
Kainat recently worked as a match referee during the PCB National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament, which was held during August and September 2026. Her move into officiating allows her to remain directly involved in cricket while taking on a different role within the game.
The transition is particularly significant because Kainat comes from a family with a strong connection to cricket. Her mother, Saleema Imtiaz, became Pakistan’s first woman umpire on the ICC International Development Panel in 2024. Saleema has since officiated in women’s international cricket, including Women’s ODIs and T20Is.
Kainat’s Final International Appearances
Kainat’s final international appearances came in 2022 and 2023. Her last T20I for Pakistan was against Thailand in Sylhet in October 2022, while her final ODI came against Australia at the Gabba in January 2023.
Her retirement therefore formally closes a playing chapter that began with her T20I debut against South Africa more than a decade ago. During that period, she experienced the growth and changing landscape of Pakistan women’s cricket while representing the country at World Cups, Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.
For Pakistan women’s cricket, her departure marks the end of another international career from the generation that helped build greater visibility for the women’s game. However, her move into match officiating means her experience can continue to contribute to the sport.
Kainat’s decision also highlights the expanding career opportunities available within cricket beyond playing. As she begins her journey as a match referee, she remains connected to the game and could become part of the growing group of women taking up important officiating roles in cricket.
For fans following Pakistan women’s cricket, Kainat Imtiaz announces retirement from international cricket not as a complete goodbye to the sport, but as a transition into a new professional chapter. Her playing career may be over, but her involvement in cricket continues in a different capacity.
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