Christchurch, Feb 18 (Agency) India versus Pakistan cricket rivalry is back in the spotlight, with the teams set to lock horns at the 2022 Women’s World Cup match on March 6 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof, who understands the sort of buzz this particular fixture creates, feels the game will not only be tuned by millions but will leave girls inspired to take up the game. “We start our campaign by facing India, which promises to be a great occasion for women’s cricket in the subcontinent. It will surely be an exciting contest. Pakistan v India is a rivalry that attracts record eyeballs across the globe,” said Maroof in a column for the ICC. “In our part of the world, it becomes the talk of the town when the two neighbours face off. I am sure millions of girls will tune in to watch this game and will leave inspired to take up the game.” Pakistan have never made it to the semifinals across the two formats, but Maroof wants to change that come the 2022 global event.
The 30-year-old wants her team to “leave a mark and break the glass ceiling”. “We arrive in New Zealand well prepared, with our eyes set on one of the four semi-final spots. We have never made it to the knockouts of any World Cup across the two formats, but that does not mean that that time will never come.” Maroof counts on the likes of experienced campaigners Nida Dar and Javeria Khan along with youngsters to script history. “With the experience of Javeria Khan, Nida Dar, Diana Baig and Anam Amin; the extraordinary talent of Fatima Sana and Ghulam Fatima; and the grit of Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail, this team has all the ingredients to make history in this beautiful country. “We have put together a strong squad, which not only covers all bases but also provides the right balance required for a tournament as lengthy and demanding as this World Cup will be. We have a perfect mix of talent and experience in both departments, and a team eager to push the limits and make its fans and supporters proud.” Maroof will be returning to lead Pakistan after giving birth to a daughter in August 2021.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had brought in the maternity clause in their central contracts after Maroof announced her pregnancy in April last year. She became the first beneficiary of the maternity clause. “I am thrilled to be here in New Zealand, finally, for this World Cup and thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for their support that helped me in returning to the game I love, smoothly. The introduction of the maternal policy has made the game more inclusive for women. It is a great initiative, which will definitely see more girls follow their passion. With my daughter, Fatima, in the picture, I am excited to see how the next couple of months will pan out.” Pakistan skipper had no qualms in accepting that her team’s recent outings have not been up to the mark. However, she highlighted that there were some outstanding performances. Nonetheless, Maroof said that all players are coming in with good preparation after the team camp in Karachi. “The team’s performances, however, since our return to cricket after a covid-induced hiatus have not been up to the mark, There have been some outstanding individual performances. But the overall results have been below par and there is a strong realisation in the camp that the last year does not justify the collective potential and talent of this side. “There is an urge to undo the mistakes of the last year in every individual. During our preparations in Karachi in the lead-up to this tournament, every player has put in the hard yards to prepare for the challenges that await us in New Zealand.”