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LAHORE: The PCB website on Wednesday featured the achievements of Humaira Farah, Pakistan’s first female umpire, in an article which also included a brief interview with the female match official.
The article stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made efforts to promote the game which has resulted in some inspiring results this year.
“After beating West Indies for the first time ever in a One-day International (ODI) series, the Women Cricket team squared the ODI series against South Africa in their own backyard”, said a sports news channel.
“Backing up the progress on the field, success stories have emerged from other quarters including match officials – who are an integral part of cricket,” said the article.
“Humaira Farah is a shining example of that, Humaira holds the distinction of Pakistan’s first-ever female umpire and has so far officiated in more than 170 matches at different levels”.
She is a seasoned administrator and as well as a player. She has a rich 28 years of experience in representing Pakistan Hockey Team and working as an Administrator Sports. Currently, she is working as a Director Sports at Lahore Garrison University and also pursuing her doctorate in sports sciences.
In an interview with PCB official website, Humaira Farah said: “In the year 2005, I heard, the PCB was setting up a women’s wing and that is when I decided to pursue umpiring. The same year, I took part in the PCB Panel I and II umpiring courses and started my umpiring career. I am proud of the fact that I became the first female umpire in the country and since then eight more female umpires have emerged.”
“I am very confident of making a big name and inspiring other umpires. I want to emulate Aleem Dar and I also look up to Ahsan Raza. With more women games than ever taking place in the present PCB set-up, I feel more female umpires will emerge soon.
“I feel honored that I have inspired other umpires. Initially, women were reluctant and unsure about umpiring opportunities. Through the efforts of the PCB, women cricket has become popular across the country and there are more opportunities in the field than before. Gradually we will see more women entering the fray and that will only help in increasing the standard further.”
