Imrul Kayes announced his retirement from first-class cricket a few days ago. His 17-year red ball cricket chapter ended today in Mirpur, Sher-e-Bangla. According to the Bangladeshi left-handed cricketer, he should retire to have time.
Imrul played for Khulna in the National League of 2024-25 season. His team Khulna lost 9 wickets to Dhaka today. He scored 16 and 1 runs in two innings in the farewell match. At the end of the match, his teammates gave him a 'lap of honour'. BCB director Nazmul Abedin Fahim handed over a bouquet of flowers to Imrul.
Imrul came to the press conference after playing the last match in red ball cricket, but he was expressionless. Answered the journalists' questions fluently. Bangladesh's left-handed batsman thanked BCB at the time of farewell and said, 'I thank BCB first. When I told BCB about the decision (retirement), they took it positively. Many people said, brother, Imrul could have played for 2 more years. But I think if I played for another 2 years, they would have asked, brother, when will you leave the game? It seemed better to go away on my own than to hear such words. It is very important to have the sense to stand back with respect.'
Imrul retired from first class cricket. However, he said that he still wants to play Dhaka Premier League (DPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The Bangladesh left-handed batsman said, 'The way my fitness is now, I can sustain myself for ODIs, T20Is and play for a few more years. The energy and morale required to play a four-day match is no longer there. I feel like it's a shame if I compare myself to the youngsters and can't keep up with them. But in the short version of cricket, the game is played on the last day. It is possible to give full power here.'
Imrul last played in international cricket in 2019. From 2008 to 2019, he played 39 Tests, 78 ODIs and 14 T20 Internationals. Imrul had to play under Mashrafe Bin Mortuza, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan in 131 matches in Bangladesh jersey. Who is the best captain in his (Imrul) eyes? Imrul smiled a little while answering such a question. Bangladesh's left-handed batsman said, 'He asked a difficult question. I have played with all the best captains. From Mushfiq to Ashraful Bhai till the end of Khilam Mashrafe Bhai. Overall if you tell me who has done better leadership for Bangladesh then I would say Shakib Al Hasan. Because, playing during his (Shakib) time, I understood what my responsibility is. He used to openly discuss with me what is my role, how to play.'
