During the International Cricket Commission Women’s world cup everyone noticed the unlikely hero of the event when the Indian and Pakistani players were brought together by baby Fatima, a 7-month-old baby.
After India beat Pakistan, the Indian team was notably cooing over Baby Fatima after the match.
The political tension between the two countries has lasted for decades and the only time their citizens come together is during sporting events.
Also Read: Ukraine Nationals Prevent Abramovich's Ksh64B Yacht from Docking
Baby Fatima, is the daughter of Bismah Maroof the leader of the Pakistan women’s cricket team in the world cup. She had joined the International Cricket Commission women’s world cup 6 months after giving birth to baby Fatima.
Bismah Maroof has been remarkable in juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and leading her cricket team in the Women’s world cup.
She attributed her inspirational return to the sport to the maternity policy put in place by the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB), her teammates, and her coach David Hemp.
“The players have been great with Fatima, “she remarked” Every game we have played everyone wants a picture with baby Fatima. She is enjoying the cameras. When she looks back at the pictures, she will be excited to see she was with her mum at the world cup,” she stated
When Maroof informed her coach, David Hemp, that she was pregnant she had taken part in 120 domestic markets. She was unconvinced that she would make it to the World cup in time.
“She was asking if she was going to be good enough to retain her place, score runs, and contribute. I didn't have any questions about that. I’d seen enough of her to know she had the game to come back.” Hemp stated.
Upon conceiving, she thought her sporting career was over. At the time, she did not know that the Pakistan Cricket Board(Board) had plans to implement a parental policy.
"It was a beautiful moment in my life, but from a professional point of view, it was scary because of uncertainty. I didn't know what would happen. At that moment it seemed like my career would end" Maroof remarked.