Pakistan’s Cricket Icon Bismah Maroof Announces Surprise Retirement
In a surprising turn of events, Bismah Maroof, the star of Pakistan’s cricket, has announced her immediate retirement from all forms of the sport.
Maroof, who made her international debut in 2006, has represented Pakistan in 276 international matches, amassing a total of 6,262 international runs, including 33 half-centuries, and taking 80 wickets.
Maroof’s contributions to Pakistani women’s cricket are unparalleled. She holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) with 3369 runs and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) with 2983 runs. Notably, she is the only Pakistani cricketer to have crossed the 3000-run milestone in Women’s ODIs.
“The game I love the most is the one I have decided to retire from,” Maroof stated in her announcement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “It has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, victories, and unforgettable memories.
“I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering support throughout my cricketing journey, from the very beginning until now.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their faith in me and for providing me with a platform to showcase my talent. The PCB’s support, especially in implementing the first-ever parental policy for me, has been invaluable. It allowed me to represent my country at the highest level while also 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’s batting prowess is well-known, but she is also a beacon of consistency, holding the record for the highest number of Women’s ODI appearances for Pakistan, having played in 136 matches. Her contributions extend to T20Is as well, where she is the second most-capped player with 140 games under her belt.
As a captain, Maroof led Pakistan in 96 matches, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2023, and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2022.
Maroof has made her stalwart presence felt for Pakistan in all eight editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup and four 50-over World Cups.