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Imrul Kayes Announces Retirement From Test And First-Class Cricket, Set for Farewell Match In Dhaka

Jatin

Imrul Kayes called time of his red-ball career [Source: @raisul_rifat88/x.com]Imrul Kayes called time of his red-ball career [Source: @raisul_rifat88/x.com]

Bangladesh opener, Imrul Kayes has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. He revealed this emotional news through a video on his Facebook page and stated that his last red-ball game will be the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) match between Khulna Division and Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. While he's closing the chapter on red-ball cricket, Imrul will still be around, donning the whites for the shorter formats.

Imrul Kayes Bids Farewell to Red-Ball Cricket

In his announcement, Imrul Kayes couldn’t hold back the emotions, calling this decision “the most difficult” of his career. After years of opening the innings and giving Bangladesh stability at the top order, it’s a big farewell.

Imrul’s last appearance in a Test match was in 2019 at Eden Gardens, India’s first-ever day-night Test. Batting mostly as an opener, he scored 1,797 runs in 39 matches, averaging 24.28 with three centuries and four fifties.


More than just individual stats, Imrul’s Test career will be remembered for his partnership with Tamim Iqbal. Together, they became Bangladesh’s most prolific opening pair, adding 2,336 runs across 53 innings. Their first-wicket partnership average of 45.80 remains Bangladesh’s best.

Kayes is renowned for his record-breaking 312 partnership with Tamim Iqbal against Pakistan in 2015.. That 312-run partnership not only set a world record but also helped Bangladesh pull off a remarkable draw against Pakistan. It remains the only 300-plus opening stand in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.

One Last Chance for a Milestone

Imrul stands just 70 runs shy of the 8,000-run mark in first-class cricket, a milestone within his reach in his final match. This farewell game on November 16 gives him one last shot at the feat.

As Imrul steps away from red-ball cricket, his fans will surely miss his grit at the top order. Here’s to a memorable last game and the hope that he ends his first-class journey on a high.