Pakistan's Bismah Maroof retires from international cricket

One of the most iconic figures in Pakistan women's cricket, Bismah Maroof, has announced her retirement from international cricket after an illustrious 17-year career. Maroof finishes her career as Pakistan's leading run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is.

Maroof's cricketing journey began in 2006, making her debut against arch-rivals in India in Jaipur and since then, she has registered her name in the history books.

She scored 3369 runs in 136 ODIs, averaging 29.55, with 21 half-centuries and a top score of 99. In 140 T20I games, she scored 2893 runs, including 12 fifties, for an average of 27.55. Her captaincy stint belonged to 96 games, 62 T20Is, and 34 ODIs. She led the side to 16 wins out of her 32 One-Day Internationals and 27 T20I wins.

"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," she was quoted as saying via a PCB release on April 26.

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She thanked the PCB for showing their faith in her and giving her the responsibility to lead the side, "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.

"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," she further added. 

She last featured in the three-match ODI series against West Indies women at home. Hosts Pakistan lost the series 0-3 and Maroof had a decent series scoring 91 runs. She is also part of the T20I squad against the West Indies women for the three-match series, starting from April 26. But with her recent announcement, her availability will be in question.