Pakistan fast bowler Aiman Anwer has called time on her international playing career to start a new chapter as a match referee. Aiman, 34, has made a career switch because of a knee injury that meant she could not bowl consistently. She recently made her debut as a match referee in the ongoing Under-19 women's tournament in Karachi.
"I chose to become match referee after I couldn't make a comeback in the team," she told Cricinfo. Aiman will continue to play in local tournaments and leagues.
The Karachi-born right-arm pacer made her international debut in July 2016 and played eight ODIs and 37 T20Is. She took four ODI wickets at 45.50 and retired with 29 T20I scalps at an average of 29.44.
Her last international appearance was against West Indies in the 2023 edition of the T20 World Cup. She featured in the 2018 and 2020 editions and played the ODI World Cup in 2022, in which she made her last ODI appearance. Aiman began her playing career in January 2010 when she represented Karachi in the PCB National U-19 Women's Championship.
"Starting a new chapter as a match referee draws the curtain on the previous one, but the book remains the same," she posted on X. "As I close the chapter on my international cricket career, I look back with immense gratitude, pride, and countless memories that will forever be a part of my story."
Aiman has also ventured into broadcasting and worked as a presenter and commentator. She was on the commentary panel for the recent 50-over National Champions Cup in Multan and also had stints as an analyst on private TV channels.
Her career switch comes as Pakistan look to bring in a new crop of fast bowlers which primarily include Waheeda Akhtar, Tasmia Rubab and Saira Jabeen. That captain Fatima Sana is also a fast bowler further dwindles the space for pacers.