Poonam Raut announces retirement, ends four-year comeback pursuit

Former India opener <b>Poonam Raut</b> announced her <b>retirement</b> on Tuesday, ending a four‑year chase to re‑enter the national side after her 86‑run cameo in the 2017 World Cup final. Her exit spotlights a system that still treats women’s cricket as an afterthought—sparse domestic fixtures, delayed pay parity and a board that rewards short‑term hype over long‑term talent nurturing. Young girls across the country now lose a visible mentor, but Raut’s pledge to coach the next generation could keep the momentum alive.