In a significant development for Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, former women’s team captain Bismah Maroof has declared her retirement from all forms of cricket, effective immediately, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a press release on Thursday.
In a statement shared on the PCB website, Maroof expressed her decision to bid farewell to the sport she loves dearly, reflecting on an extraordinary journey marked by challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the PCB for their unwavering support, particularly highlighting the implementation of the first-ever parental policy, which enabled her to continue representing her country at the highest level while embracing motherhood.
Acknowledging the steadfast support of fans throughout her career, Maroof credited them for being a constant source of motivation. She also extended her appreciation to her teammates, emphasizing the camaraderie shared both on and off the field, which she treasures deeply.
With a remarkable international career spanning 276 matches, Maroof holds the distinction of being the most capped Pakistani women cricketer. Her contributions include amassing 6,262 international runs, featuring 33 half-centuries, and claiming 80 international wickets with her right-arm leg-spin.
Having been appointed as Pakistan’s all-format captain in September 2017, Maroof boasted the best win/loss ratio among regular players leading the country in One-Day Internationals (1.000) and T20 Internationals (0.843).
The PCB underscored Maroof’s pivotal role in the women’s team’s success, notably securing gold medals in the Asian Games of 2010 and 2014.
Head of women’s cricket, Tania Mallick, expressed gratitude towards Maroof for her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to Pakistan women’s cricket. Mallick conveyed heartfelt wishes for Maroof’s future endeavors, hoping her post-cricketing journey is as fulfilling as her illustrious career on the field.
