Former captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Bismah Maroof, announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday.
In a statement, the all-rounder expressed her decision, saying, “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.”
She conveyed her gratitude to her family for their unwavering support throughout her cricketing journey and thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for believing in her and providing the platform to showcase her talent. Maroof also acknowledged the PCB's support in implementing the first-ever parental policy, which enabled her to represent her country at the highest level while being a mother. She expressed deep appreciation for the fans whose support remained constant wherever she represented her country.
Maroof extended her thanks to her teammates, referring to them as family, and cherished the camaraderie shared on and off the field.
In a message shared on her Instagram handle, Maroof stated her availability to play League cricket and vowed to continue making the nation proud.
The left-handed batter made her ODI debut against India in 2006 and her T20I debut against Ireland in 2009. Over her international career spanning 17 years, Maroof participated in more than 276 international matches, the most by any women cricketer from Pakistan.
During her career, Maroof amassed 6,262 international runs with 33 half-centuries and claimed 80 wickets as a right-arm spinner.
