Bismah Maroof returns for Women's World T20 but not as captain
The former captain, who has recovered from sinus surgery, has decided to step aside from the role, leaving Javeria Khan to continue as leader
ESPNcricinfo staff
29-Oct-2018
AFP
Bismah Maroof has returned to the Pakistan women squad for their World T20 campaign after having successfully recovered from sinus surgery. However, Maroof, who was the team's regular captain before her absence, will not lead them in the tournament. A PCB press release said she had stepped down from the role and Javeria Khan, who filled in for Maroof, will continue to lead.
Pakistan squad for World T20
Javeria Khan (capt), Bibi Nahida, Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Bismah Maroof, Omaima Sohail, Nida Rashid, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Sana Mir, Nashra Sundhu, Anum Amin, Natalia Parvaiz, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Aiman Anwar
Pakistan had already named a 15-member squad for the tournament earlier this month. That squad did not contain Maroof, or a stand-in captain, with the PCB choosing to wait on her fitness. Maroof's return now means that Sidra Ameen, who had been named in the original squad, no longer finds a place.
Maroof won nine out of the 22 games she captained in a tenure that began in July 2016. A key batsman in the side, she averaged only 19 when she was juggling leadership duty, with two fifties in 20 innings. Javeria has been at the helm for only six matches - three against Bangladesh, which Pakistan won, and three against Australia, which they lost.
Pakistan will warm up for the World T20 with a brace of games, against South Africa and Bangladesh, on November 3 and 6, respectively. They will open their tournament against three-time champions Australia.