Sornnarin Tippoch hangs up her boots from international cricket

On Wednesday, October 16, former Thailand skipper Sornnarin Tippoch announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing down the curtains on a decorated 16 year playing career. Tippoch led Thailand to their maiden T20 World Cup appearance at the 2020 edition in Australia. 

"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 mentioned in her retirement statement.

Tippoch made her first appearance for Thailand in 2008, when the national women’s side was still fighting for international status. The all rounder has played 75 T20Is and 9 ODis. She was in the saddle when Thailand Women transcended Australia’s record for the most consecutive wins in Women’s T20Is (17)- a streak that was maintained from July 2018 to August 2019. 

Tippoch’s final game for Thailand came against Sri Lanka in the quarter final during the recently concluded Asian Games.   

“First and foremost, I would like 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 holds 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.

Having already commenced her innings as the Development Coach at Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT), Tippoch now strives to lead the next generation of Thailand Women as a professional coach. 

"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 stated.