Maroof steps down as Pakistan women's cricket skipper

Veteran Bismah Maroof stepped down as the Pakistan women's cricket team captain on Wednesday, following a disastrous Twenty20 World Cup campaign last month.

Allrounder Maroof led Pakistan for six years but failed to get the team beyond the first round at the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Losses to arch-rivals India as well as England and the West Indies at the showpiece event – with only a consolation win over Ireland – saw Pakistan once again miss out on the semifinals of the tournament won by Australia.

"I feel fortunate to have led an incredible and hardworking bunch of cricketers," Maroof said in a statement released through the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"It has been one exciting ride, which has been full of highs and lows," the 31-year-old added.

"I am looking forward to continuing to play as a player and playing my role for the team."

Under Maroof's leadership, Pakistan won 16 out of 34 one-day internationals and 27 out of 62 T20Is.

The PCB said a new skipper will be selected before the team's limited-overs series against South Africa at home in September.

Allrounder Nida Dar, who led the team when Maroof was unfit, is tipped as the favourite to fill the role.