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Veteran Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. The emotional revelation came through a heartfelt video posted on his Facebook page, where Imrul shared that his final red-ball appearance will be during the upcoming National Cricket League (NCL) match between Khulna Division and Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. While stepping away from the longest format, Imrul has confirmed that he will continue to play in the shorter formats of the game.
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A Tough Goodbye to Red-Ball Cricket
In his farewell message, Imrul described this decision as “the most difficult” of his career. Known for his resilience and stability at the top order, his departure marks the end of an era for Bangladesh’s Test side.
Imrul’s last Test appearance was back in 2019, during India’s historic first-ever day-night Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Over his 39-match Test career, he amassed 1,797 runs at an average of 24.28, including three centuries and four fifties.
A Legendary Opening Partnership with Tamim Iqbal
Imrul Kayes’ Test career is synonymous with his fruitful partnership with Tamim Iqbal, making them Bangladesh’s most prolific opening duo. Together, they scored 2,336 runs across 53 innings, with an impressive average of 45.80 for the first wicket. This remains the highest opening partnership average in Bangladesh’s Test history.
One of their most memorable contributions was the record-breaking 312-run opening stand against Pakistan in 2015, which remains the only 300-plus opening partnership in the third or fourth innings of a Test match. This historic effort helped Bangladesh pull off a remarkable draw, etching their names into the record books.
One Final Shot at a Milestone
Imrul is just 70 runs short of reaching the 8,000-run milestone in first-class cricket. His farewell match on November 16 offers a final opportunity to achieve this significant landmark and cap off his red-ball career on a high note.
A Legacy of Grit and Determination
As Imrul Kayes bids farewell to the longest format, his absence will be felt by fans and teammates alike. Known for his unwavering grit and ability to anchor the innings, Imrul leaves behind a legacy of resilience at the top order.
Here’s to a memorable final match for Imrul Kayes, with hopes that he crosses the 8,000-run mark and concludes his first-class journey with a remarkable performance.
