Four-time IPL champion Karn Sharma announces retirement from all formats
Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from all formats of professional cricket following a match in the UP T20 League. The 38-year-old reflected on his career, which included stints with the Indian national team and various IPL franchises.
Why it matters
Sharma was a notable domestic player and one of the highest-paid uncapped players in IPL history, marking the end of a significant career in Indian domestic cricket.
Visibly emotional and fighting back tears, Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced his retirement from all formats of competitive cricket.
The 38-year-old made the announcement following the Kanpur Superstars’ 9-wicket defeat to the Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League Season 4, confirming that the reverse fixture against Meerut on Tuesday (August 25, 2026), will be his final professional game, according to a press release.
Sharma reflected on the UP T20 League and the sudden finality of his long journey, saying, “It [the UP T20 League] is actually a very good initiative. For me and others, it is a good opportunity,” Sharma said. “The message is that... I just want to retire. I will be playing my last game on Tuesday, and I will be retiring from all formats.”
When asked if he had a final message, the spinner expressed profound gratitude to the institutions and people who shaped his career.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in