Pakistan stalwart announces shock international retirement

Pakistan star Bismah Maroof announced her retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.

Having made her international debut in 2006, Maroof represented Pakistan in 276 international matches, aggregating 6,262 international runs, including 33 half-centuries to go with 80 wickets.

Maroof stands unparalleled in Pakistani women's cricket, holding the distinction of being the top scorer in both ODIs (3369 runs) and T20Is (2983). Remarkably, she is the sole Pakistani cricketer to breach the 3000-run milestone in Women's ODIs.

“I have decided to retire from the game I love the most,” Maroof said in her statement released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “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.”

Beyond her batting prowess, Maroof is a beacon of consistency, boasting the highest number of Women’s ODI appearances for Pakistan, having played in 136 matches. Her contributions extend to T20Is as well, where she ranks as the second most-capped player with 140 games under her belt.

As captain, Maroof led Pakistan in 96 matches, including the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2023 as well as 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.