On Thursday, Bismah Maroof, the former captain of Pakistan, declared her immediate retirement from cricket. The 32-year-old played 18 years of professional cricket for Pakistan, starting 136 ODIs and 140 T20Is. She is the record holder for most runs for Pakistan in both forms (3369 in ODIs and 2893 in T20Is), as well as most fifties (21 and 12, respectively), despite never scoring a century in international cricket.
She began playing for her country at the age of fifteen in 2006, and in 2016 she assumed leadership of the T20I and ODI teams. Her side won 16 and 27 matches under her captaincy in 34 ODIs and 62 T20Is, respectively, giving her the best win percentage of any Pakistani women’s captain.
Maroof participated in eight world cups throughout her career despite suffering from multiple ailments. She was also a member of the squad that took home gold medals at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014.
In addition to being the backbone of Pakistan’s batting and one of their best fielders for over ten years, Maroof used her part-time legspin to take 80 wickets in international matches.
“I’ve made the decision to stop playing the game I adore the most. “It has been an amazing journey full of obstacles overcome, successes, and priceless memories,” she said in a statement. “I would want to thank my family for their unwavering support from the beginning of my cricket adventure to the present.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving me the opportunity to show off my skills and for believing in me. The PCB’s assistance has been important, especially in putting into practice the first-ever parental policy for me, which has allowed me to serve as a mother and the highest ranking representative of my country.
“Wherever and whenever I have represented my nation, the fans’ unfailing support has been a constant throughout my career, for which I am incredibly grateful. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to my fellow teammates, who have grown to be like family to me. I will always treasure the friendship we had, both on and off the field.”