Shah’s slice of history

Visiting umpire Shah Parveen Kausar in action at Shaw Cricket Club

HISTORY was made in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League on Saturday.

Shah Parveen Kausar broke new ground by becoming the first woman to umpire a competitive game.

The 50-year-old, from Pakistan, stood alongside experienced league official Peter Lilley in the Shaw versus Friarmere second XI fixture at Holebottom Clough.

Shah was given a warm welcome by both sets of players, even though they were slightly taken aback when they first discovered she would be donning the white coat.

Lilley said: “Shah did very well. She was very competent in everything she did and I think she enjoyed herself.

“She didn’t just stand at square leg, she did a full job.

“The players were a bit surprised, but they were very courteous towards her and there was no bad language — not even directed at me which was unusual!”

Shah has been umpiring since 2006 and has taken charge of men and women’s games in Pakistan.

She has represented her country at cricket, playing for the national one-day international team.

Over here on a month’s holiday to visit family, Shah made contact with Glodwick Cricket Club’s Asif Lohdi, who then put her in touch with Lilley.

“She wants to do a full season next year and we’d be happy to have her back,” said Lilley.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t attract women umpires.

“Women’s cricket, especially in this country, is on a high at the moment as England are the reigning World Cup and Twenty20 champions.”