Pakistan women's great Bismah Maroof retires from international cricket

Former Pakistan women's captain Bismah Maroof retired from international cricket on Thursday after 276 games in an 18-year career.

"I have decided to retire from the game I love the most,” the 32-year-old Maroof said in a statement on Thursday. "It has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, victories, and unforgettable memories."

Maroof, an allrounder, batted left-handed and scored 6,262 runs including 33 half-centuries - three ODI scores in the 90s - and bowled right arm leg break and bagged 80 wickets.

She was 15 when she debuted for Pakistan in 2006 in a one-day international against India, and three years later played her first Twenty20 against Ireland.

Maroof took a break in 2021 to give birth to her first child and said she was grateful for a parental policy that extended her career.

"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,” Maroof said.

Maroof captained Pakistan in 96 internationals, including at her fourth Women's World Cup in 2022 in New Zealand.

She also played in all eight Women's T20 World Cups, and was captain in the last two in 2020 and 2023.

Maroof was also a member of the Pakistan squad which twice won gold medals at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014 but was denied a shot at a hat trick last year when Asian Games organizers refused to allow competitors to bring their babies.

When she gave up the captaincy last year, PCB president Najam Sethi said, "Bismah has been an inspiration for millions of girls and has been a catalyst for positive change. With her immense dedication and hard work, she has shown that women can continue to follow their passions and dreams.”

Tania Mallick, the PCB head of women's cricket, lauded Maroof on Thursday.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bismah for her commitment and invaluable services to the team and the country,” Mallick said. "May her journey ahead be as rewarding and fulfilling as her cricketing career has been.”