Bismah Maroof bids an emotional farewell to international cricket
In a heartfelt moment that left many in tears, former Pakistan cricket captain Bismah Maroof said goodbye to her national teammates in Karachi, leaving her two and a half year old daughter, Fatima, bewildered by the unusual display of emotions. Maroof, 32, reflected on the emotional farewell in an interview with Al Jazeera, just hours after announcing her retirement from her 17-year international cricket career.
The decision came as a surprise to many, especially given the timing, just a day before Pakistan’s home T20 international series against the West Indies. Maroof, Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs and T20Is, explained that the decision had been long pondered and felt it was the right time to step aside before the T20 World Cup.
“For me, family had to take precedence at this phase of my life,” Maroof shared. “It was a difficult decision to walk away from a team that I had been a part of since I was just 15 years old. But I felt it was the right time for my Pakistan teammates and my family.”
Maroof’s return to professional cricket in 2022 after the birth of her daughter, Fatima, symbolized her commitment to both her professional and personal life. Her decision to lead the Pakistan team just six months after becoming a mother was hailed as groundbreaking in a region where female cricketers playing at the highest level post-motherhood is rare.
Her impact on women’s cricket in Pakistan and beyond has been significant, with Maroof setting an example for women across the globe. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s formalization of a paid maternity leave policy following her pregnancy is just one example of her influence on the sport.
As Maroof reflects on her career, she is proud of the trail she has blazed for women’s cricket in Pakistan. From debuting in 2006 to captaining her country in multiple World Cups, her legacy as a stylish left-hand batter and part-time leg-spinner is cemented in the history of the sport.
As she bids farewell to international cricket, Maroof leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers for women in sport. Her impact will continue to be felt in Pakistani cricket for years to come.