Bismah Maroof, one of Pakistan’s most prominent female cricketers and former captains, announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday, with immediate effect.
The 32-year-old Bismah had to take a lengthy sabbatical from cricket in 2020 due to a fitness concern and again in August 2021 after giving birth to a daughter.When Bismah brought her infant to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, it made headlines. She was the first female cricket player from Pakistan to take advantage of the 12-month paid maternity leave program. As the most-capped Pakistani women cricketer with 276 matches played, Bismah is a left-handed batsman who made her ODI debut against India in 2006.
In 2009, she had played her first T20I match against Ireland. With her leg-spin, she has amassed 6,262 runs in international cricket, including 33 half-centuries, and claimed 80 wickets.
“I’ve made the decision to give up my favorite game. “It has been an amazing journey full of triumphs, challenges, and treasured memories,” Bismah said in a statement.
“From the start of my cricket adventure until the present, my family has supported me, and for that I am grateful. I express my gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their unwavering belief in my abilities and for giving me this opportunity to demonstrate them. In particular, the PCB’s assistance in putting into practice my first parental policy has been vital in allowing me to serve my nation at the greatest level while also being a mother.
Tania Mallik, the head of Pakistan women’s cricket wing, stated that Bismah’s enormous contributions to Pakistan women’s cricket had left the Board perpetually grateful.
In addition to captaining her nation in 96 international matches, Bismah was a member of the women’s squad that took home the gold medal from the Asian Games twice, in 2010 and 2014.
She took part in four editions of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), captaining the squad in the 2022 edition hosted in New Zealand.
Bismah played in eight ICC Women’s T20 World Cups between 2009 and 2023, leading the team in 2020 and 2023.
