LAHORE: Experienced all-rounder Bismah Maroof stepped down as Pakistan women’s national team captain but will remain available for selection as a player, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced here on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s dismal performance under Bismah in the recently-held T20 World Cup in South Africa where the team crashed out in the group stage after losing three out of four matches. Prior to the World Cup, a winless tour to Australia — 3-0 ODI series loss and 2-0 T20 series defeat with one match rained off— exposed Pakistan women’s weaknesses in top-level international contests.

Bismah, 31, was named Pakistan’s all-format captain in September 2017. Under her leadership, Pakistan played 34 ODIs winning 16. She captained the T20 International team in 62 matches winning 27.

Meanwhile, Bismah said the time was right to leave the captaincy role.

“It has been an honour for me to captain my country and I feel fortunate to have led an incredible and hardworking bunch of cricketers. It has been one exciting ride, which has been full of highs and lows, but, at the end of the day, I will always be thankful to the Almighty for providing me this opportunity,” she said.

“With the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle in its initial stages and the 2024 T20 World Cup more than a year away, I think this is the right time for me to step down and help so we have a smooth transition,” Bismah, a veteran of 124 ODIs and 132 T20 Internationals, remarked.

“I am looking forward to continuing to compete as a [common] player and deliver my role for the team,” the part-time leg-spinner with 44 ODI and 36 T20I wickets to her credit, added.

Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Najam Sethi lauded Bis­mah’s services for the game.

“I congratulate and thank Bismah Maroof for her services as the captain of the national women’s side,” Sethi stated.

“Bismah has been an inspiration for millions of girls and has been a catalyst for a positive change.

“She has always put her country before herself and that is underscored by how she has offered to help in smoothening the leadership transition ahead of an exciting and jam-packed season.

“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,” Sethi said.

Bismah’s replacement will be announced in due course.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2023