Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof on Friday (April 16) announced an indefinite break from cricket for maternity reasons. The 29-year-old confirmed the news on her official social media handle through a tweet.
“I am delighted to announce that I am entering a new chapter in my life as motherhood beckons,” Bismah Maroof wrote. “I would like to wish the Pakistan women’s team the very best as I take an indefinite break from cricket. Request for prayers and support. Thank you!”
Here is the tweet of Bismah Maroof:
I am delighted to announce that I am entering a new chapter in my life as motherhood beckons. I would like to wish the Pakistan women's team the very best as I take an indefinite break from cricket. Request for prayers and support. Thank you 🤗
— Bismah Maroof (@maroof_bismah) April 16, 2021
The Pakistan Cricket Board also congratulated her and wished her good luck for the new chapter in her life. “Congratulations Bismah! We wish you and your family the very best as you enter this new phase of your life,” the PCB responded to her tweet.
She made her debut for Pakistan in December 2006 and has represented the country in 108 one-day internationals (ODI) and as many T20Is with an average of around 27 in both formats. Bismah Maroof, however, had also withdrawn from their last tour of South Africa in January-February due to personal reasons. Her teammate and experienced Javeria Khan had stepped in as the stand-in captain.
However, an important year is waiting for Pakistan ahead in terms of the qualification for the 2022 ODI World Cup. So far, India, Australia, England, South Africa and hosts New Zealand have qualified for the mega event whereas Pakistan have to play the qualifiers which have been postponed from June-July to December 2021 as well.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a training camp for twenty-six players. They will undergo skills and fitness training at the DHA Sports Club Moin Khan Academy in Karachi during the National Women High-Performance Camp as well. Head Coach David Hemp who is currently with the emerging team for the camp at the same venue will take charge of this camp too after it starts on Saturday 24 April, after a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for the players in a Karachi hotel between 17-23 April as well.
