Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 21: Gouher Sultana, India’s dependable left-arm spinner and one of the early stalwarts of women’s cricket in the country, has announced her retirement from all forms of the game, drawing curtains on a career marked by skill, grit, and grace.

In an emotional statement posted on Instagram, Gouher reflected on her journey from the bylanes of Hyderabad to the global stage. “With a heart full of memories and eyes welled with gratitude, I announce my retirement,” she wrote, calling her time in the Indian jersey “nothing short of a dream.”

Over her career, Gouher featured in 50 ODIs for India, claiming 66 wickets at a brilliant average of 19.39 and an economy of 3.32. In T20Is, she appeared 37 times, taking 29 wickets with an economy of 5.73. Though her international stint ended after the 2014 Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, her domestic journey continued across teams including Hyderabad, Puducherry, Bengal, and the dominant Railways side.

Gouher also featured in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), playing four matches for the UP Warriorz, though she didn't manage to pick up a wicket.

In her retirement note, Gouher thanked teammates, coaches, selectors, and especially her mother and sister, calling them her “anchor, storm, and calm.” She acknowledged the ups and downs of her career — from injuries to triumphs — and said she walks away with “no regrets, only overwhelming gratitude.”

Though stepping away from the field as a player, Gouher affirmed that cricket would always remain home, and expressed her intent to contribute to the game in new ways going forward.

“This isn't goodbye. It's just the end of a golden chapter,” she signed off.