Bismah Maroof bids emotional farewell to international cricket

Former Pakistan cricket captain Bismah Maroof bid an emotional farewell to her national teammates in Karachi as she announced her retirement from international cricket after a stellar 17-year career. The decision, made just a day before the opening fixture of Pakistan’s home T20 international series against the West Indies, took many by surprise.

Maroof, Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs and T20Is, cited family as the primary reason for her retirement, stating that the time was right for both her Pakistan teammates and her family. Her two and a half year old daughter, Fatima, who had been a constant companion on Maroof’s cricketing journey, witnessed her final moments in the Pakistan dressing room as an international cricketer.

The 32-year-old cricketer’s legacy goes beyond her on-field accomplishments, as she made a remarkable return to professional cricket in 2022 just six months after giving birth to Fatima. Maroof’s decision to balance motherhood with her cricketing career set an example for women across the globe, especially in South Asia where such instances are rare.

Under the PCB’s paid maternity leave policy, Maroof was able to make a successful comeback to the national team and lead Pakistan in various international tournaments. Her leadership saw Pakistan achieve significant milestones, including their first-ever ODI victory against New Zealand in 2017.

As Maroof bids farewell to international cricket, she leaves behind a trailblazing tale that has inspired many and paved the way for future generations of female cricketers in Pakistan. Her hope is to see Pakistan among the top four international teams, emphasizing the need for a strong domestic structure to support the talent in the country.

Maroof’s retirement marks the end of an era in Pakistan women’s cricket, but her impact and influence on the sport will continue to resonate for years to come.