Bismah Maroof retires from cricket with immediate effect

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Bismah Maroof, the former captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team, has announced her immediate retirement from international cricket. 

Her decision marks the end of a distinguished international career in which she represented Pakistan in a record 276 matches.

Bismah began her ODI career facing India in 2006 and her T20I journey against Ireland in 2009. She has participated in 276 international games, marking the highest tally among Pakistani female cricketers. Throughout her career, she has amassed 6,262 runs across formats, notching 33 half-centuries, while also claiming 80 international wickets with her right-arm leg-spin.

Furthermore, she also served as captain in 96 international matches. She represented Pakistan in four iterations of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), leading the team in the 2022 edition held in New Zealand. In T20Is, Bismah participated in eight editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023), and she captained the side in the 2020 and 2023 editions held in Australia and South Africa, respectively.

In a statement, Bismah expressed her gratitude for her time in cricket and reflected on her journey. 

"I have decided to retire from the game I love the most. It has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, victories, and unforgettable memories," Bismah said. 

Bismah also acknowledged the support she received throughout her career from the Pakistan Cricket Board, her teammates, family, and fans. 

“I want to express my gratitude to my family, who has supported me throughout my cricketing journey, from the very beginning until now. I also want to extend my thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for believing in me and providing the platform to showcase my talent. The support from the PCB has been invaluable, particularly in implementing the first-ever parental policy for me, which enabled me to represent my country at the highest level while being a mother," Bismah said.

“I am deeply grateful to the fans whose unwavering support has been a constant throughout my career, wherever and whenever I represented my country. Lastly, I would like to thank my fellow players, who have become like family to me. The camaraderie we shared both on and off the field is something I will cherish forever," she further added.

Head of Women’s Cricket, Tania Mallick:

“As Bismah Maroof bids farewell to international cricket, we are all indebted to her immense contributions to Pakistan women's cricket. On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bismah for her commitment and invaluable services to the team and the country.

“I wish Bismah all the best in her future endeavors, and may her journey ahead be as rewarding and fulfilling as her cricketing career has been.”

Bismah's retirement is a significant moment for Pakistan women's cricket, as she leaves behind an impressive career and a legacy that will inspire future generations of female cricketers.