Abtaha Maqsood

Abtaha Mahin Maqsood is a premier, highly accomplished leg-spin bowler who serves as a vital defensive and attacking weapon for the Scotland women’s national cricket team. Born on June 11, 1999, in Glasgow, she showcased exceptional sporting versatility early in life, earning a black belt in taekwondo and operating as a flag bearer at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Her cricket journey accelerated rapidly at Poloc Cricket Club, leading to a Scotland Under-17 call-up at just 12 years old before making her senior debut at the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. She went on to make her formal Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) debut against Uganda in July 2018. Renowned for her distinct presence on the pitch as a high-profile athlete who bowls while wearing a hijab, Maqsood has inspired a generation of young players while anchoring the national team's spin department for nearly a decade.

On both the domestic and international stages, Maqsood has consistently proven her ability to handle high-pressure scenarios across global competitive formats. She built a stellar reputation in English domestic cricket, representing franchises like the Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural seasons of The Hundred and signing a professional contract with the Sunrisers, where she claimed a spectacular maiden five-wicket haul in 2023. Ahead of the major domestic restructure, she joined Essex Women, maintaining a highly impactful presence in the regional circuit. For Scotland, she has crossed the major milestones of 50 WT20I appearances and over 70 international wickets, delivering crucial spells during major campaigns including the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the 2026 Global Qualifiers. Backed by excellent flight and sharp control, Maqsood remains a central figure in Scotland’s elite bowling blueprint.