PCB retains Bismah Maroof as Pakistan Women's captain

Despite Pakistan's poor show in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to continue with Bismah Maroof as National women's captain for the upcoming season. The Maroof-led side managed to win only one game out of seven and exited the competition in the first stage itself. She has been at the helm of affairs ever since Sana Mir gave up her role as captain in 2017.

Speaking about her appointment, Maroof mentioned that it was a matter of great pride for her to lead the county and thanked the board for showing belief in her. Referring to Crizbuzz, Maroof said: "It is truly an honour for any cricketer to captain their country, and it is a great privilege for me to continue in this role. It is truly an honour for any cricketer to captain their country, and it is a great privilege for me to continue in this role."

PCB's Head of Women's Cricket, Tania Mallick, congratulated Maroof. She clarified," I want to congratulate Bismah Maroof on her retention as the leader of the national side. She has been an inspiration for women around the world with her demeanour on and off the field, and I am sure our side will produce strong and consistent results in their leadership over the next year."

The Pakistan team is gearing up for a jam-packed 2022-23 season with the T20 Asia Cup, T20 World Cup, and Commonwealth Games all in the mix. Her first assignment in the upcoming season will be three ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka at home.

The 30-year-old will then lead her team to Belfast to play a triangular series against hosts Ireland and current T20I champions Australia. From there on, the team will move to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.

PCB will continue to support Maroof's decision to travel alongside her infant daughter under their Parental Support Policy.

Maroof went on to thank PCB, saying, "I want to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for its immense support throughout my career and especially in helping me strike the right work-life balance after the birth of Fatima. There was a time when I contemplated giving up on my passion of 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. I also want to thank my family and especially my husband, Abrar, who has been a great support throughout my career and has provided me encouragement to continue to play for Pakistan,"