April 25th 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, Bismah Maroof, one of the most prominent female cricketers and former captain of Pakistan, has officially announced her retirement from all international cricket with immediate effect. This decision comes after a long break from the sport, first due to a fitness issue in 2020 and then due to the birth of her daughter in August 2021.
Bismah made headlines when she took her baby to the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand, becoming the first Pakistani woman cricketer to avail of a 12-month maternity leave with a pay policy. As a left-handed batter, she made her ODI debut against India in 2006 and has since represented Pakistan in a total of 276 international matches, the most by any female cricketer from Pakistan. She also made her T20I debut against Ireland in 2009.
Throughout her career, Bismah has scored an impressive 6,262 international runs, including 33 half-centuries, and has taken 80 wickets with her right-arm leg-spin. In a statement announcing her retirement, she said, "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 also expressed her gratitude to her family for their unwavering support throughout her cricketing journey. She also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for believing in her and providing her with a platform to showcase her talent. She specifically mentioned the PCB's support in implementing the first-ever parental policy, which allowed her to continue playing at the highest level while being a mother.
Tania Mallik, the head of the Pakistan women's cricket wing, also acknowledged Bismah's contributions to the sport and stated that the Board will always be indebted to her. Bismah has been a part of the women's team that won the Gold Medal twice in the Asian Games, in 2010 and 2014, and has captained her country in 96 international matches. She has also competed in four editions of the ICC Women's 50-over World Cup and has led the team in the 2022 edition held in New Zealand.
In T20Is, Bismah has featured in eight editions of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, from 2009 to 2023, and has also led the team in the 2020 and 2023 editions. Her contributions to Pakistani women's cricket have been immense, and her retirement marks the end of an era in the sport. Bismah's talent and determination have inspired many, and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest female cricketers to have represented Pakistan on the international stage.
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