Bismah Maroof, Pakistan's trailblazing woman cricketer and former captain, has announced her retirement from international cricket, culminating a remarkable 17-year career marked by groundbreaking achievements and advocacy for women's rights.

Maroof, 32, bid farewell to the sport after Pakistan's 3-0 loss to the West Indies in the one-day international series. In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Maroof expressed gratitude for her incredible journey, acknowledging the challenges, victories, and unforgettable memories.

Throughout her illustrious career, Maroof set records as a left-handed batter, scoring 3369 runs in 136 one-day internationals and 2893 runs in 140 Twenty20 internationals, cementing her status as a stalwart of Pakistan cricket. She also led the national team in 62 T20Is and 34 ODIs, leaving an indelible mark with her leadership on the field.

Despite retiring from international cricket, Maroof will continue to be active in league cricket. Her journey, however, transcended the boundaries of the cricket pitch, making her an icon for gender equality in a society where women's participation in sports faces significant challenges.

Maroof's decision to prioritize motherhood in August 2021 prompted the PCB to introduce a maternity clause in central contracts for women cricketers, ensuring paid maternity leave—a milestone in the realm of women's sports.

During her tenure as a mother and athlete, Maroof garnered widespread attention during the 2022 Women's World Cup in New Zealand, where videos of Indian players playing with her daughter Fatima went viral on social media, epitomizing the spirit of cricket and camaraderie between rivals.

Acknowledging the PCB's support during her journey into motherhood, Maroof emphasized the importance of the organization's pioneering parental policy, which enabled her to continue representing her country at the highest level while embracing motherhood.

Maroof leaves behind a legacy of excellence, having secured gold medals for Pakistan in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and participating in multiple editions of the Women's ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup, showcasing her talent and dedication on the global stage.