Pakistan cricket stalwart Bismah Maroof calls time on her illustrious career

Pakistan cricket stalwart Bismah Maroof has called time on her illustrious career, retiring from all formats of the game with immediate effect. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed her retirement through a press release, marking the end of an era in Pakistani cricket.

Maroof, who made her debut in women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs) against India in Jaipur on December 13, 2006, has been a prominent figure in the women’s cricket circuit for over a decade and a half. Her final appearance in a WODI came against the West Indies Women’s team in Karachi on April 23, 2024, as Pakistan suffered a series whitewash.

Throughout her illustrious career, Maroof has led Pakistan in 96 international matches, showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to the sport. Her contributions with both bat and ball have been invaluable to the Pakistani team’s success over the years.

In a heartfelt statement, Maroof expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support, acknowledging the sacrifices they made for her cricketing journey. She also thanked the PCB for providing her with opportunities to represent her country and implementing policies like the parental policy, which enabled her to balance cricketing commitments with motherhood.

Acknowledging the fans’ support, Maroof expressed her appreciation for their constant encouragement and support, which has been a driving force throughout her career. She also extended her gratitude to her fellow teammates, whom she considers family, for the camaraderie shared on and off the field.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Maroof leaves behind an impressive legacy, with remarkable statistics to her name. In WODIs, she scored 3369 runs at an average of 29.55 and took 44 wickets. In Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is), she amassed 2893 runs and claimed 36 wickets. Her versatility and leadership will be dearly missed by the Pakistani cricket fraternity.

As Maroof bids farewell to the game she loves, cricket enthusiasts worldwide salute her remarkable contributions and wish her the very best for her future endeavors.