Gouher Sultana Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Gouher Sultana's Retirement Announcement

On Thursday, Gouher Sultana, the left-arm spinner from India, declared her retirement from international cricket. With an impressive tally of 66 ODI wickets at an average of 19.39, she ranks third among Indian bowlers who have taken at least 50 wickets in One Day Internationals.

Sultana participated in two ODI World Cups, in 2009 and 2013, where she secured 12 wickets across 11 matches, maintaining an average of 30.58. Additionally, she competed in three T20 World Cups from 2009 to 2014, claiming seven wickets with an economy rate of 5.81.

In her heartfelt Instagram post, Sultana reflected on her journey, stating, "From the dusty bylanes of Hyderabad to the grand stages of world cricket, this journey has been nothing short of a dream - one etched with sweat, sacrifice, and countless hours of silent grind."

A post shared by Gouher Sultana (@megouhersultana)

She expressed her pride in representing India at the highest level, saying, "To have represented India at the highest level in World Cups, tours, and battles that tested both skill and spirit has been the greatest honour of my life. Every wicket taken, every dive in the field, every huddle with my teammates has shaped the cricketer and the person I am today."

Sultana was selected by UP Warriorz (UPW) for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024. In her recent appearances in the tournament, she played two matches but did not take any wickets across five overs. In 2025, she again participated in two games for UPW, bowling just one over.

At 37 years old, Sultana is also a BCCI Level 2 coach. She shared her experiences, stating, "There were days of triumph and nights of introspection. Injuries, comebacks, heartbreaks, and high-fives - the game gave me everything. And now, as I step away from this cherished chapter, I do so with no regrets, only overwhelming gratitude."

She expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coaches, selectors, support staff, and family, saying, "To my teammates - thank you for the camaraderie and the countless shared battles. To the coaches, selectors, support staff, and administrators who believed in me, thank you for giving wings to my ambition. To my mother and sister - you were my anchor, my storm, and my calm."

Concluding her message, Sultana stated, "Cricket will always be home. Though the curtain falls on my career as a player, my love for the game burns brighter than ever. I look forward to contributing to the sport in newer ways to inspire, guide, and serve the game that made me who I am. This isn't goodbye. It's just the end of a golden chapter."