ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: Smriti Mandhana writes heartfelt message for Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof

By
Shubhangi Chowdhury
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India
Indian players were seen making playful gestures at the toddler cradled in Maroof's arm. (PC Twitter)

Hamilton: Ace Indian woman opener Smriti Mandhana has acknowledged “inspirational” to Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof for setting an example for sportswomen worldwide by returning to the field six months after giving birth to a child.

Following their 107-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday, some Indian players were spotted having fun with Maroof’s daughter Fatima, with photos and videos of the six-month-old youngster going viral.

Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Meghna Singh, and Richa Ghosh, among other Indian players, were spotted making fun gestures at the toddler cradled in Maroof’s arm.

“Lots of love to baby Fatima from India and I hope she picks the bat just like you bcoz lefties are special.”

After the match, the ICC tweeted along with a photo: “Little Fatima’s first lesson in the spirit of cricket from India and Pakistan.”

Even before the game, photos of Maroof entering the Mount Maunganui stadium with her daughter, who was born in August of last year, held in her arms, went viral on social media.

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s maternity rule allows the mother “to travel with a support person of her choice to assist in caring for her infant child,” with travel and accommodation costs shared equally between the board and the player.

Thus, the 30-year-old Maroof was able to travel to New Zealand with her daughter — as well as her mother, Fatima’s carer.

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