India left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana retires from all forms of cricket

India left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket. Sultana made her international debut during an ODI against Pakistan in 2008 and went on to represent the country in 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is. Her last appearance for the country came during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2014 against Pakistan.

She recently also featured in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 and 2025 seasons, playing for UP Warriorz. The 37-year-old has finally announced her retirement through an Instagram post, where she called playing for India the greatest honour in 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. With a heart full of memories and eyes welled with gratitude, I announce my retirement from all forms of the game,” Sultana wrote in an Instagram post announcing her retirement.

"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," she added.

Sultana scalped 66 wickets from 50 ODIs at an average of 19.39 with three four-wicket hauls to her name, with best figures of 4/4. She further scalped 29 wickets from 37 matches at an average of 26.27 with best figures of 3/17.

The Hyderabad-born cricketer played in two ODI World Cups, in 2009 and 2013, and picked up 12 wickets in 11 matches. She also featured in three T20 World Cups from 2009 to 2014, and claimed seven wickets. Sultana is currently a BCCI Level 2 coach.