• Bismah Maroof steps down as Pakistan women's cricket captain

    Sports
    Bismah Maroof steps down as Pakistan women's cricket captain
    Bismah led Pakistan across all game categories in 2017. She will still be an available player even after leaving her post. 

    Digital Desk: Veteran Bismah Maroof stepped down as the Pakistan women's cricket team captain on Wednesday. During the Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa, the 31-year-old took over as team captain for the final time. Pakistan lost three of their four group stage games, failing to qualify to the semifinals of the tournament.

    For all game types in 2017, Bismah served as Pakistan's captain. Even after leaving her position, she will still be a player that can be chosen. The PCB indicated that her replacement would be announced soon.

    "Captaining my nation has been an honour for me, and I feel lucky to have done so while guiding an incredible and devoted group of cricketers.

    The journey has been thrilling and full of highs and lows, but at the end of the day, I will always be grateful to God for giving me this chance."

    "I believe this is the ideal time for me to step aside and assist so we have a smooth transition, as the next ICC Women's Championship cycle is in its early stages and the 2024 T20 World Cup is more than a year away," added Bismah.

    "I am eager to carry on as a player and fulfil my responsibility to the team."

    Bismah has played 124 ODIs and 132 T20Is in her career to date. Among those, she led the team in 34 ODIs (16 victories) and 62 T20Is (27 wins).

    Najam Sethi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, stated that Bismah "has been an inspiration for millions of females and has been a catalyst for a positive change. She has shown that women can pursue their passions and dreams by working hard and with great dedication. 

    “I am sure her presence in the Pakistan dressing room will continue to be a source of inspiration to our young cricketers and she will continue to serve Pakistan with honour and pride as she has been doing since she was a teenager."