Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof said that she was filled with pride while taking part in the Women’s World Cup 2022 after becoming a mother. Back in August 2021, Maroof embraced motherhood and made a comeback in the mega event two months ago. During the World Cup, the 30-year-old Maroof was seen carrying her baby to venues during practice and matches.

Although Pakistan failed to qualify for the semis, Maroof gained a lot of praise for balancing her personal and professional life with precision. The Lahore-born cricketer said that she wanted to encourage other women into taking up the sport.

A GREAT EXPERIENCE

“I’ve travelled a lot during my 16-year career and played a lot of cricket, including different World Cups, but this time the feeling was a bit different. It was a little more priceless as I was returning to cricket as a mother. I had goosebumps whenever I held Fatima in my arms and went to practice or for matches,” Maroof was quoted as saying in an interview with Scroll.

“I did this with so much pride and a mission to inspire young girls to take up any sport and to encourage their families to support their daughters to pursue their dreams. It was a great experience and I’ll keep doing that till I’m fit and my body supports me,” she added.

On March 8, which also happened to be International Women’s Day, Maroof scored an unbeaten 122-ball knock of 78 against Meg Lanning’s Australia with the help of eight fours. After reaching her half-century, she dedicated it to her daughter, Fatima, with an adorable gesture.

After Pakistan’s first match in the World Cup at the Bay Oval, the Indian players were also seen in heartfelt moments with Maroof and her daughter. Back in April 2021, Maroof took an indefinite break from cricket, after which she played in the World Cup in New Zealand and scored 191 runs from seven matches.