Sornnarin Tippoch calls time on 16-year international career

Sornnarin Tippoch, former Thailand women’s team captain, called time on her 16-year-long international career on Wednesday, October 18. The 37-year-old cricketer captained Thailand women’s team to their first-ever T20 World Cup appearance at the showpiece event in Australia in 2020.

Tippoch first played for the national team in 2008. The spin allrounder has played 75 T20Is and nine ODI games. She was the captain of the team when they broke Australia's record for most consecutive wins in Women's T20Is (17). She last played for Thailand in the recently-concluded 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in the quarter-final against Sri Lanka. 

"Today, I am officially announcing my retirement as a cricket player. I am extremely honoured and privileged to have been able to wear the Thailand colours with pride and passion," Tippoch was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

"First and foremost, I would to thank the sport of cricket, Mr. Mohideen Kader, all the coaches that have helped me along the way and the Cricket Association of Thailand in helping me achieve my dream of representing Thailand as an athlete and being able to bring fame and recognition to my country and family.

"A special mention of thanks to all my teammates, past and present, throughout my 16-year career. We have endured and persevered through tough times and have come out on the other side fighting to celebrate incredible victories, both in sport and in life. I am grateful to have shared the field with all of you, and everyone of you hold a special place in my heart.

"The biggest achievement in my career is being able to lead my team and country to the World Cup in Australia. Even though we struggled to find our feet at times, it was still an amazing experience that will always remain clear and vivid in my mind and in my heart," she added.

Tippoch, who has been appointed as Development Coach at the Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT), stated that she is looking to guide the next generation of women in the country.

"I will now be playing my part in Thailand's cricket development as a coach and mentor. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences to inspire the new generation of Thai Cricketers," she concluded.