Bismah Maroof named Pakistan's flagbearer for CWG 2022 opening ceremony

Pakistan women's cricket captain Bismah Maroof has been named as her nation's flagbearer for the opening ceremony at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022, which will take place from July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan nominated Maroof and wrestler Muhammad Inam to carry Pakistan's flag.

Maroof will captain Pakistan as women's cricket makes a debut at the Commonwealth Games. However, it is not the first time that cricket will feature at the CWG, as a List A men's tournament was held at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The matches, involving 16 teams, were played in the 50-over format, with South Africa winning gold, Australia and New Zealand



taking silver and bronze home respectively.

The women's tournament will take place in T20I format after the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) lobbied successfully for the inclusion of women's cricket. India, Australia, Barbados and Pakistan are in Group A, while Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and South Africa are placed in Group B. The top two teams from the respective pools will progress to the semi-finals.

The Commonwealth Games Federation has arranged facilities to look after Maroof's daughter Fatima during the competition. Fatima accompanied her cricketer mother during the 2022 Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand as well. Maroof has played 118 ODIs and 114 T20Is for Pakistan.