Bismah Maroof: Former Pakistan Captain Announces Shock Retirement - Her Career at a Glance

Former Pakistan Women's cricket team captain Bismah Maroof announced her retirement from all cricket on Thursday (April 25).

The distinguished batter played in ODIs and T20Is for Pakistan and went on to represent Pakistan in 276 international matches, the most by any Pakistan women cricketer. Being just 32 years age, Maroof's decision to retire has come as a shock to many.

Bismah Maroof

Maroof was born in Lahore to a Kashmiri family on July 18, 1991. She wanted to be a doctor but her interest in cricket grew during college and she left her academics to pursuit cricket.

Bismah Maroof Career at a Glance

She made her ODI debut in 2006 against India. In ODIs, Bismah has played 135 matches scoring 3350 runs and picking up 44 wickets. Her highest score is 99 and she scored 21 half centuries in the 50-over format.

Maroof made her T20I debut against Ireland in 2009 and played 140 T20Is in her career. She scored 2893 runs and picked up 36 wickets. She scored 12 half-centuries in T20Is with her highest score being an unbeaten 70. Across the formats, the Pakistani women player picked up 63 catches.

Bismah Maroof Pakistan Achievements

The 32-year-old won the Gold Medal with Pakistan in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. Bismah also won the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award in honour of her magnificent services to the Pakistan Women's Cricket Team.

What Bismah Maroof Said after her Retirement

Here is the PCB excerpt on what Bismah Maroof said after announcing retirement.

"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. 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."