Bismah Maroof, former captain of Pakistan's women team, was conferred with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for her services on cricket field.
Bismah received her accolade from president of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, during Pakistan Day [23rd March] ceremony in Islamabad.
Taking to twitter, Bismah dedicated her award to her parents. "Humbled and honoured to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. I dedicate this award to my parents especially to my baba, who stood by me through thick and thin. His cheers for me got through my hardest days," she wrote.
Bismah represented Pakistan in 124 ODIs and 132 T20Is since her debut in 2006 in an ODI against India. During her career, Bismah scored 3110 ODI runs and 2658 runs in T20Is. She captained Pakistan in multiple ICC and Asian tournaments.
After Pakistan knocked out of Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year, Bismah resigned from captaincy. She made herself available for the team as a player.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) congratulated its three cricketers for receiving highest civilian awards. Pakistan men's team captain Babar Azam was conferred with Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Bismah bags Tamgha-e-Imtiaz where blind cricketer Masood Jan received Pride of Performance award.
Other athletes including Nooh Dastagir Butt (weightlifting), Arshad Nadeem (javelin throw), Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan (squash), Ahsan Ramzan (snooker), Karteka Shahida (karate), Amina Wali (skiiing), Iran Mehsood (martial arts).
- Bismah Maroof