Pakistan's women cricket skipper Bismah Maroof is well acquainted of the peer pressure playing against their nemesis India in the Women’s ODI World Cup opener in the subsequent month. But she also feels that the iconic match will inspire and encourage girls across the border to make a career in cricket.
India are set to lock horns with Pakistan in their World Cup opener on March 6 at Tauranga, New Zealand. The quadrennial occasion will be held from March 4 to April 3 throughout six cities in New Zealand.
“Pakistan vs India is indeed a great stage for any player to establish her credentials, but at the end of the day, it is a cricket match that has to be won by executing the basics right and keeping thing simple," Maroof said.
“This match is a great opportunity to inspire millions of girls in Pakistan and India to take up this sport as a profession. It is the biggest rivalry, and attracts innumerable eyeballs. I hope girls in the two countries will watch this match and will be inspired to take up the game," said the 30 year old who has played over 200 international matches for Pakistan," Maroof added.
Maroof, who is making a comeback after motherhood, was all praise for Mithali Raj-led Indian team but she is very optimistic about Pakistan’s chances against them.
“The Indian team is a good unit and has done well recently. They also have had some very good youngsters coming in of late,” she said.
“Our aim is to make it to the semi-finals, something which we have never done before. I strongly believe that this side has all the ingredients to achieve that," she added.
Being the senior most player and the captain of the team , she feels that it is her duty to lead from from example.
"Being the senior player and the captain of the side you have to inspire your team and lead by example. If you are not doing the right things, you cannot demand them from girls. I have a very clear vision with this team that we need to be in top four."
The 30-year-old has played 108 ODIs and equal number of T20 matches and has scored 2602 and 2225 runs respectively.
Having seen many ups and downs in her journey so far, she had once decided to quit cricket to embrace motherhood.
“It has been an incredible journey and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Being a cricketer has designed my life and played a very important role in the person I am today. There have been ups and downs, which have made me learn ,” she said.
“I am very excited to be back. It feels like I am making my debut again for Pakistan. I am grateful to my family, especially my husband who has supported me immensely throughout this phase. I also want to mention the support that the Pakistan Cricket Board has provided me through the parental policy,” said Maroof .
