Pakistan’s cricket stalwart, Bismah Maroof, announced her retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career. In her statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Maroof expressed gratitude to the board for its unwavering support, especially in implementing the first-ever parental policy, which allowed her to continue representing her country while being a mother. She also thanked her fans and teammates for their support and camaraderie throughout her journey.
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Maroof leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having represented Pakistan in a record-breaking 276 international matches, the most by any Pakistani women cricketer. She amassed 6,262 international runs and claimed 80 wickets with her right-arm leg-spin. Named Pakistan’s all-format captain in 2017, Maroof boasted the best win/loss ratio among regular players in both ODIs and T20Is. Her leadership led Pakistan to victory in the Asian Games twice, in 2010 and 2014.
Tributes Pour In
Head of women’s cricket, Tania Mallick, extended heartfelt gratitude to Maroof for her invaluable contributions to Pakistan women’s cricket. Mallick praised Maroof’s commitment and wished her success in her future endeavors. Maroof’s retirement marks the end of an era in Pakistani women’s cricket, leaving behind a void that will be challenging to fill.
Maroof’s retirement comes after a stellar career spanning 17 years, during which she served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers, especially women, in Pakistan. Her journey, filled with challenges and victories, reflects her dedication to the sport and her country. As Maroof bids farewell to the cricketing arena, her legacy as one of Pakistan’s finest cricketers will continue to inspire generations to come.