Commonwealth Games 2022 denies accreditation for Bismah Maroof's infant daughter

Pakistan Women’s team skipper Bismah Maroof’s infant daughter Fatima has been denied permission for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, which will be held in July and August. The Commonwealth Games village will not be able to allow entry to baby Fatima, and hence it was rumoured that the skipper might pull out of the event.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had requested two extra accreditations from the CWG Federation in order to make arrangements for Maroof’s daughter and mother. As per recent reports, it is being said that the skipper will be travelling to Birmingham with her mother and daughter, and the two will reside outside the village as Maroof enters the tournament.

The PCB’s maternity policy states that a player is allowed “to travel with a support person of her choice to assist in caring for her infant child”. After an unsuccessful stint at the World Cup, Maroof will now be leading the side in the CWG 2022 and eye for a positive performance.

Bismah Maroof was re-elected as Pakistan’s captain on Thursday

Bismah Maroof, who was retained as the team’s skipper on Thursday, carried her daughter along for the Women’s World Cup 2022 that happened in March-April. It was seen that she had her mother alongside her for the entire duration to take care of the baby when she was busy playing the games.

“It is truly an honor for any cricketer to captain their country and it is a great privilege for me to continue in this role. The 2022-23 cricket season is the busiest for Pakistan women’s side and we are excited and geared up for the challenges it presents,” Maroof was quoted by Cricbuzz.

Maroof heaped praises on the country’s cricket board for their constant support shown towards her and the team as a whole. Pakistan has a tight schedule this season as they will be playing a total of 25 games in the cycle.

“There was a time when I contemplated giving up on my passion for playing cricket, but the PCB ensured it never came to that with the introduction of the maternity policy, which has made the game as inclusive as it can be for the women in our country,” she added.