Bismah withdraws from South Africa tour

LAHORE: Just one day before the announcement of Pakistan women’s cricket team for their tour to South Africa next month, captain Bismah Maroof withdrew from the tour and left the training camp in Karachi citing some family reasons.

Urooj Mumtaz, who is performing the dual role of chief selector and head of the women’s wing, is to announce the 17-member squad for the said tour on Thursday. The new captain in place of Bismah, 29, will also be announced on Thursday.

She had been attending the camp in Karachi since Dec 20.

“Pakistan national women’s team captain Bismah Maroof has withdrawn from next month’s tour to South Africa due to family reasons,” said a PCB press release issued on Wednesday. “Bismah had participated in the training camp in Karachi since Dec 20 before returning to Lahore on Wednesday to rejoin her family.”

Commenting on the development, Urooj said, “Bismah approached us with a request to be exempted from next month’s tour to South Africa for family reasons, which we have accepted. She was obviously disappointed to miss the series, but the family always has to come first.

“When we announce the 17-player squad on Thursday, we’ll name the stand-in captain as well for the South Africa tour, which comprises three ODIs and three T20Is,” Urooj added.