Bismah Maroof wants PSL for women

By Muzammil Asif

KARACHI: Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Bismah Maroof on Wednesday demanded from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to organize a women’s Twenty20 league similar to the widely popular Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Bismah, while talking to the ARY news, said that PSL has played a major role in building the career of many young cricketers so women cricketers too deserve a chance to showcase their talent through a similar event.

“PSL provided a platform to the young players to exhibit their talent, now we (female cricketers) also want PCB to start a similar league for us,” she stated.

Bismah, who took over as captain after team’s dismal performance in last year’s Women World Cup,also called upon the board to encourage female cricketers.

“In our culture usually women are not allowed to take part in sports that is the reason why the team’s bench does not have much players for replacement so I think that the PCB should encourage more talented female cricketers,” said Bismah.

About the recent victory in Sri Lanka, Bismah said that the credit for the whitewash goes to the new coach Mark Coles as he “changed the environment of dressing room” and brought the whole team on “one page”.

She added that Mark has done superb job to establish some good combinations either in batting or bowling.

Pakistan women defeated Sri Lanka women 3-0 in ODI series and 2-1 in T-20 series in March.

 

When asked about the upcoming Asia Cup, the 26-year-old all-rounder said that she is optimistic ahead of the tournament scheduled to be held in June this year.

“Our preparations are in full swing ahead of the Asia cup and I am confident that the results will go much in our favor,” said Bismah.

The 26-year-old has played 98 ODIs scoring 2329 runs while she had scored 1464 runs in 81 T20i’s. She also has 41 and 32 wickets in her ODIs and T20Is respectively.