LONDON: Commonwealth Games Federation has changed its decision after receiving flak for not allowing cricketer Bismah Maroof’s daughter and mother to travel with her.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the federation changed its decision. Pakistan women’s team captain Bismah Maroof and her family will be accommodated at the Commonwealth Games village in Birmingham, England in July so she can be with her infant daughter during the event.
The Commonwealth Games Federation drew flak after media reports said Maroof’s daughter had been denied accreditation, which would require the Pakistan batter to stay outside the Games village during the tournament.
The PCB confirmed such a situation has been averted and named an 18-member squad under Maroof for a tri-series in Belfast followed by the Games.
“I want to thank the Commonwealth Games for accepting our request to accommodate our captain Bismah Maroof’s family at the Games village which will allow her to focus on the task at hand without any worries about her young infant daughter,” PCB’s head of women cricket Tania Mallick said in a statement.
The PCB’s parental policy allows Maroof to travel with her daughter and her mother as the caregiver. The 30-year-old had her family with her during this year’s Women’s World Cup in New Zealand where Pakistan finished last among eight teams.
Pakistan retained the same side which blanked Sri Lanka 3-0 on Saturday. Cricket is returning to the Commonwealth Games after a 24-year absence with a women’s Twenty20 tournament.
Meanwhile, the PCB announced the national women’s team for their upcoming commitments in the United Kingdom during which they will compete in a tri-series in Ireland and Commonwealth Games in England.
Eighteen players have been announced for the two series, which include three reserve players, Ghulam Fatima, Sadaf Shamas and Umme Hani.
Pakistan will take on T20 world champions Australia and hosts Ireland in Belfast from 16 to 24 July and play Barbados, India and Australia in Commonwealth Games on 29, 31 July and 3 August.
Ahead of their departure to the UK on 12 July, the team will undergo an extensive training session in Islamabad at House of Northern from 1 to 11 July.
