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India’s left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned over a decade at the highest level.
The 37-year-old made her international debut in 2008 against Pakistan and went on to represent India in 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is, claiming 95 wickets across formats, including three four-wicket hauls.
Sultana, who last featured for India in April 2014, shared an emotional retirement note on Instagram, reflecting on her journey from the “dusty bylanes of Hyderabad to the grand stages of world cricket.”
She described wearing the India jersey as the “greatest honour” of her life.
“After years of wearing the Indian jersey with pride, passion, and purpose, the time has come to pen down the most emotional note of my cricketing journey,” she wrote.
“Every wicket taken, every dive in the field, every huddle with my teammates has shaped the cricketer and the person I am today.”
Gouher Sultana thanked her teammates, coaches, selectors, and her family for their support, recalling the triumphs, comebacks, and setbacks that shaped her career.
“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 added.
The Hyderabad-born spinner also hinted at continuing her association with the sport in a new role.
A certified BCCI Level 2 coach, she expressed her desire to inspire and guide the next generation.
“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.”
After her international career, Sultana returned to the spotlight in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), turning out for UP Warriorz in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
However, she featured in only four matches across two years, with limited opportunities to bowl.
“This isn’t goodbye,” Sultana concluded. “It’s just the end of a golden chapter.”
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