Bismah Maroof announces retirement

Former captain Bismah Maroof has officially retired from cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a press release on Thursday.

Maroof, a left-handed batter, made her One Day International (ODI) debut against India in 2006 and her Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against Ireland in 2009. She has represented Pakistan in 276 international matches, making her the most capped Pakistan women cricketer. Throughout her career, she accumulated 6,262 international runs, which included 33 half-centuries, and also claimed 80 international wickets.

“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.”

Bismah achieved gold medals twice in the Asian Games, in 2010 and 2014.

She served as captain in 96 international matches and participated in four editions of the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup (2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022), leading the team in the 2022 event held in New Zealand.

In T20Is, Bismah represented Pakistan in eight editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023) and led the team in the 2020 and 2023 tournaments held in Australia and South Africa.