Former captain of the Pakistan women’s team Bismah Maroof has announced her retirement from all cricket with immediate effect on Thursday.
A left-handed batter made her ODI debut against India in 2006 and her T20I debut against Ireland in 2009. She represented Pakistan in 276 international matches, the most by any Pakistan women cricketer.
She has scored 6,262 international runs, including 33 half-centuries, and has taken 80 international wickets with her right-arm leg-spin.
“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,” said Maroof.
“I want to express my gratitude to my family, who has supported me throughout my cricketing journey, from the very beginning until now.
.@maroof_bismah calls time on her illustrious career after representing Pakistan in 2️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ international matches and scoring 6️⃣,2️⃣6️⃣2️⃣ runs.
Thank you for your services for Pakistan cricket! pic.twitter.com/TUsmeDLU4W
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 25, 2024
“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.”
During her illustrious career, Bismah was part of the women’s team that won the Gold Medal twice in the Asian Games, in the 2010 and 2014 editions.
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“As Bismah Maroof bids farewell to international cricket, we are all indebted to her immense contributions to Pakistan women’s cricket,” said Tania Mallick, the head of 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 Maroof also captained the Pakistan women’s team in 96 international matches and represented the team in four editions of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), captaining the team in the 2022 edition held in New Zealand.
In T20Is, Bismah featured for Pakistan in eight editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023) and led the side in the 2020 and 2023 editions held in Australia and South Africa, respectively.
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