BEYOND DENTISTRY
Meet Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan, Dentist, Cricket Star, and Trailblazer
Dental News Pakistan proudly names Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan “Personality of the Year 2024.”
In a world where success is often confined to a single path, Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan defies all norms. Whether wielding a cricket bat, leading from the commentator’s box, or providing dental care with precision, she embodies the essence of versatility and excellence. Her journey is not just a story of professional achievement but of breaking barriers, embracing challenges, and redefining what it means to be a woman of many talents. With an unwavering passion for dentistry and cricket, she has forged a unique identity, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams—no matter how varied or ambitious.
Today, as we celebrate her as Personality of the Year, we delve into the life of a woman who has seamlessly transitioned between vastly different worlds, leaving a mark in each.
Dental News's Perspective:
We proudly chose Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan as Personality of the Year 2024 because of her exceptional contributions to dentistry and sports. Her remarkable ability to balance multiple roles with grace, resilience, and passion inspires many. What impressed us most was her advocacy for women's cricket and her unwavering commitment to excellence in all her endeavors. She exemplifies the qualities we celebrate at Dental News.
DN: Dr. Urooj, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your journey has been remarkable—spanning roles as a cricketer, commentator, dentist, and mother. How do you reflect on these diverse experiences?
Dr. Urooj: Thank you. I often say that I have the best job in the world. Broadcasting commentary, being behind the mic, and talking about something I love so deeply is an absolute privilege. Cricket has always been my passion—it's been more than just a game for me. I consider myself fortunate to have had opportunities come my way, but I also recognize the hard work and dedication that got me here. My love for cricket, my commentary career, and my work in dentistry all hold a special place in my life.
DN: How has your experience as a player and captain of the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team shaped your approach as a commentator?
Dr. Urooj: Captaining your country is an indescribable honor. Cricket in Pakistan isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. Wearing the green jersey with the star on your chest and leading your team is a privilege beyond words.
When I became captain, I was only 20, leading a team with an average age of 21-22. We were a young group united by our pure love and passion for the sport. Being in that position taught me invaluable lessons, especially about leadership and human interaction. Managing a diverse team—different personalities, temperaments, and backgrounds—helped me develop people skills. Some players needed encouragement, others required discipline, and some just needed the space to grow.
One of the most important lessons I learned was resilience—how to stand tall in the face of adversity. When things don’t go as planned, it’s essential to find ways to motivate not just yourself but also your team because success is always a collective effort.
Women’s cricket back then was still finding its footing. We weren’t just playing the game; we were advocating for it. We fought for visibility, recognition, and a place on the global stage. This fighting spirit taught me to believe in my abilities and to confidently claim my space. These experiences—leadership, resilience, and advocacy—have shaped who I am today and influence the way I approach my work as a commentator.
“When things don’t go as planned, it’s essential to find ways to motivate not just yourself but also your team because success is always a collective effort.”
DN: You mentioned that women’s cricket was barely visible in Pakistan when you started your cricketing career. Did you have any mentors or role models who helped shape your journey? How important do you think mentorship is, whether in sports or dentistry?
Dr. Urooj: Mentorship and inspiration are crucial—there’s no denying that. For me, it began within my family. When I started, I barely knew much about women’s cricket, even internationally. I didn’t know many female cricketers because women’s cricket in Pakistan was just starting to take shape. My parents were my greatest mentors and supporters. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams, helped me structure them, and stood by me every step of the way. My siblings have always been a source of pride and encouragement. Even my grandparents were immensely supportive. My grandmother, who is now 95, and my late grandfather took immense pride in my journey.
In terms of inspiration, I vividly remember the 1992 World Cup when Jonty Rhodes ran out Inzamam-ul-Haq with that iconic horizontal dive. That moment is etched in my memory—it changed the way I saw fielding. Rhodes revolutionized fielding, making it exciting and dynamic, and that moment inspired me to think differently about the game.
As I progressed, I found guidance from various people. My club teammates at Karachi Gymkhana, my peers, and my mentors in dentistry, like Dr. Baqar Askari, the principal of Fatima Jinnah Dental College, all played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. It was a collective effort, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed.
DN: We discussed challenges earlier, so let’s shift to the lighter side briefly before resuming. Do the patients who visit your clinic recognize you? How do you feel when they say, "Oh, you’re the former captain of the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team," or, "I saw you doing cricket commentary"? How do you react and handle those situations?
Dr. Urooj: It’s always interesting! My receptionist often jokes about it because our digital system only displays "Dr. Urooj," and there’s a reason for that. I’ve had patients come in saying, “I don’t really need a dental check-up; I just wanted to meet you!” Those interactions can feel a bit unusual but are always memorable.
What’s particularly amusing is when younger kids, around five to seven years old, have no idea about cricket or who I am. They’ll confidently say things like, “You can’t play cricket!” or, “I’ll beat you at it!” Then their parents nudge them and say, “By the way, she’s a professional cricketer and a former captain of Pakistan.” The shift in their expressions is priceless!
On the flip side, some cricketers who know me from the field are surprised to see me as a dentist. Many don’t even know I practice dentistry! It’s funny when they recognize me in the clinic and then we end up having a long conversation about cricket.
But the best moments come from teenagers and young adults, aged 16 to 25, who recognize me and are in awe. Their admiration and excitement are truly heartwarming and make these interactions incredibly special.
DN: What advice would you give young girls aspiring to pursue a career in sports while balancing academics or another profession?
Dr. Urooj: It’s crucial to prioritize academics. As fulfilling as a sporting career is, there’s always life after sports, and having a solid educational foundation ensures you’re prepared for that phase.
Balancing both is not impossible—I managed to pursue dentistry while playing for Pakistan. I always emphasize that dreaming is essential, but making those dreams a reality is equally important. The only real obstacle between you and your dream is yourself—how you perceive the challenges and whether you believe it’s achievable.
Hard work is non-negotiable. Every path, whether in sports, academics, or any other profession, comes with obstacles and highs and lows. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.
So, to all the young boys and girls out there: Keep dreaming because dreams do come true. But remember, it’s your dedication and resilience that turn those dreams into reality.
DN: As a family woman and a mother, how do you align your career ambitions with your family priorities?
Dr. Urooj: That’s a very valid question, and it’s definitely not easy. Being a female, a mother, or a wife at home is already a full-time job. Taking care of the family, managing the kids, and supporting your partner is a huge responsibility. Adding a professional career on top of that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But balancing everything is crucial. For me, my family is always my priority, and my daughter, who’s now nine, is at the top of that list. Broadcasting and commentary require a lot of travel, and I’m often away for a week or even two, which can be difficult for my daughter. I’m aware of the impact it has on her, and I try my best to make up for it by spending quality time together. Whether it’s attending a birthday party, playing golf, or just hanging out with her and our dog, I ensure that when I’m home, she has my full attention. It’s tough, no doubt, but I admire the strength of all the women who manage to balance their professional and family lives.
DN: I’m sure many mothers watching this interview on our YouTube channel or reading it in the magazine will find inspiration in how you prioritize things. Now, as we’ve discussed, you have a career, a family, and health to maintain. How do you stay mentally and physically fit?
Dr. Urooj: That’s another excellent question. People are generally aware of the importance of physical well-being — getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity, whether it's walking, yoga, or any sport. The key is to make time for yourself. You won’t always find two free hours in your day, but you must carve out that time. It’s essential for your own happiness, because when you’re happy, everyone around you benefits. I’ve noticed that when I’m having a bad day, my negative energy affects the people around me, so it’s crucial to prioritize my own well-being. Mental health is equally important. Just as we go to the gym to exercise our bodies, we need to take care of our minds. Whether it’s through breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in a sport, it’s vital to manage stress and anxiety. I’ve recently developed a love for golf and cycling, and I find these activities help me clear my head. They provide a sense of peace and joy that helps me cope with the stresses of daily life. Everyone needs to find what works for them, but mental well-being should be a top priority.
DN: From the long Q&A, we move to the rapid-fire questions.
Dr. Urooj: Done, bring it on!
DN: Cricket or dentistry?
Dr. Urooj: Cricket, sorry mom and dad.
DN: Your most unconventional inspiration?
Dr. Urooj: That's interesting. I don’t know if this fits what you’re looking for, but my nanny, who is 95. She's not a dentist, she's not a cricketer, but she is Ma’Sha’Allah up and about. She runs an 80-plus club where she teaches crochet, which she's really good at. She gives religious sermons, travels, and still picks my daughter up from school. She’s a role model and a go-getter. For me, the inspiration lies at home.
DN: What's harder – facing a tough bowler or performing a tricky dental procedure?
Dr. Urooj: A tricky dental procedure.
DN: One piece of advice you would like to give your younger self?
Dr. Urooj: When you hit rock bottom, there's only one place left to go, and that’s up. It’s a quote from a Disney movie called Sing, where a koala says this to all the animals in the singing world. When everything seems tough, that saying helped me get back on my feet.
DN: What's your go-to comfort food after a tiring and long day's work?
Dr. Urooj: Chocolate.
DN: A sport that you would love to try other than cricket?
Dr. Urooj: Golf.
DN: One skill you are secretly proud of?
Dr. Urooj: All my skills are on display. I don’t hide them. But, I think I’m pretty decent at golf.
DN: One rule in cricket that you would try to change if you could?
Dr. Urooj: That’s a tough one. There's a lot of debate around the run out at the non-striker’s end, whether it falls under the spirit of cricket or the rules. I think we need to resolve that once and for all. If it’s a rule, then there’s no need for the spirit of the game discussion. If it’s about the spirit, then it should be clear.
DN: What was the last thing that you googled?
Dr. Urooj: Some sort of sporting equipment that I need to buy.
DN: A song that always lifts your mood?
Dr. Urooj: Summer of '69.
DN: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Dr. Urooj: Flying.
DN: Dr. Urooj, speaking with you today has been a pleasure. Your insights into women’s cricket, dedication to the game, and personal reflections are genuinely inspiring. We look forward to seeing all the great things you continue to do for dentistry, for cricket, and beyond.
Dr. Urooj: Thank you so much! It was great talking to you. I hope we can continue to work together to inspire and uplift the next generation of cricketers.
This concludes the interview with Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan. Her journey in cricket and dentistry is a testament to her resilience, passion, and commitment to excellence. With her unwavering dedication, Dr. Urooj continues to pave the way for future generations, both on and off the field.
Currently practicing at Khan's Dental Clinic, Dr. Urooj offers top-notch dental care, combining her passion for oral health and leadership skills.
Visit Khan’s Dental Clinic for expert dental care:
Website: Khan's Dental Clinic
You can also follow Dr. Urooj Mumtaz Khan on her social media profiles to stay updated on her latest endeavors and achievements:
Instagram: @uroojmumtazkhan
Facebook: @uroojmkhanofficial