India’s left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket. Making her international debut in 2008, Sultana played 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is, with her last appearance for India coming in April 2014. She returned to the spotlight a decade later by featuring in the 2024 and 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) seasons.
In her retirement announcement on Instagram, Sultana reflected on her career: “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 ended her ODI career with 66 wickets at an impressive average of 19.39, the third-best for any Indian bowler with at least 50 wickets. She represented India in two ODI World Cups, in 2009 and 2013, taking 12 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 30.58. She also played in three T20 World Cups between 2009 and 2014, claiming seven wickets at an economy rate of 5.81.
In the WPL, Sultana was signed by UP Warriorz (UPW) for the 2024 season, where she played two matches without taking a wicket in five overs. She returned in 2025, playing two games but bowling only one over. Reflecting on her journey, she told ESPNcricinfo, “There were times when I thought of quitting—seasons I didn’t do well, my mental health was affected. But even when I was about to give up, I felt, ‘No, this shouldn’t be the end. I want to end it the way I want it.’ I played because I enjoyed it, and I still do.”
Now 37, Sultana is also a BCCI Level 2 coach, continuing her contribution to Indian cricket beyond her playing career.
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