The captain of Pakistan, Bismah Maroof, thinks that India’s batters have benefited significantly from participating consistently in international leagues, something that her team has not been able to achieve.
Maroof remarked after Pakistan’s eight-wicket loss, which has left them on the verge of elimination from the Commonwealth Games, “Indian players and hitters have improved and gained confidence because of opportunities to play in the leagues, however that is not the case with our players.” “Once our players begin receiving more of these chances, they will mature well and gain confidence.”
In addition to Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Poonam Yadav, Richa Ghosh, Radha Yadav, and Deepti Sharma, Harmanpreet and Pooja Vastrakar are expected to participate in the Women’s Big Bash League in 2021–2022.
In contrast, no players from Pakistan participated in the Hundred in 2019–20; Nida Dar was the first and, to date, only player from Pakistan to appear in the WBBL. Along with her Pakistani teammates Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, and former captain Sana Mir, who has since retired from international cricket, Maroof participated in the FairBreak Invitational Tournament earlier this year.
Maroof described Pakistan’s strategy, which relies less on power-hitting, as “mix-and-match [type of cricket] because that’s the demand of the team. “One must act as the anchor and remain in the middle, but the power players on whom we rely were unable to carry out our plans. That needs improvement.”
Maroof placed his faith in a women’s PSL, an idea put out by PCB chief Ramiz Raja, to aid Pakistan in that regard. “The launch of the women’s PSL is anticipated for next year, according to the plan. We can only hope that it happens and increases our bench strength.”
Maroof’s child, Fatima, was a delight for the cameras and players alike during the Women’s World Cup earlier this year. She was frequently viewed as the link between the teams because players were happy to pose with her for photos. Maroof’s participation in the Games was in jeopardy because her daughter was turned down for accreditation. However, the PCB campaigned for her, and Maroof’s mother travelled to care for Fatima.
When asked if Fatima was enjoying living in the CWG Village, Maroof responded, “It was crucial for me to have her nearby, as I couldn’t have left her back at home.” “I give credit to PCB for pursuing the matter, and I’m grateful to the board for approving my request,” the speaker said. When Fatima interacts with members of another team, she (also) finds it to be quite enjoyable.
It is challenging to manage. However, I am eager to play, and it is an honour to serve as Pakistan’s leader. I concentrate on finding time for that, and since my mother is here, we split the responsibility for taking care of her.
