Khulna division practice is going on at academy ground in Mirpur. As Imrul Kayes entered the field, his vision was far away, as if he was walking down memory lane somewhere. Memories in his eyes, a little tiredness on his body – everything seems to indicate that something special is waiting for him. Indeed, tomorrow is the day for the left-handed opener to officially bid farewell to Test and First Class cricket, the elite version of cricket.
Imrul scored 1797 runs in 39 Tests for Bangladesh at an average of 24.28. There are 4 fifties along with three centuries. The left-handed batsman last played a Test against India at the Eden Gardens in November 2019. 7930 runs in 137 matches in first-class cricket at an average of 34.18. Along with 20 centuries there are 27 fifties. The fifth round of the National Cricket League starts tomorrow in Mirpur. Imrul is playing for Khulna. He will say goodbye to red ball cricket by playing this match.
He played the last Test 2019, ODI 2018 and T20 in 2018 for the national team. There are two centuries and a 90-run innings in the last five innings in the ODI version. Imrul regretted not getting the right opportunity in the team, 'I think, I could have got a lot more from my career. But could not attract the attention of the selectors. However, he left the matter to some fate, 'It was my fate. But as much as I can in white ball cricket, I will try to play well in the end.'
The opening pair of Tamim Iqbal-Imrul was also quite effective. The duo scored 2336 runs in 53 Test innings at an average of 45.80. The understanding between the two was great even in limited overs. They trusted and encouraged each other in difficult times of the team. Talking about the pair with Tamim, Imrul said, 'It was always great to bat with Tamim. We never had to leave each other, but gave each other strength.'
In 2015, Bangladesh drew against Pakistan in a near-lost match at the Sheikh Abu Nasr Stadium in Khulna. In the second innings, the opening pair of Tamim and Imrul made an extraordinary pair of 312 runs. Tamim scored a double century and Imrul played a brilliant 150 in the second innings after his fifty in the first innings. Reminiscing about that Test, Imrul said, 'Tamim used to say, dude, if we can play another session, we can draw this Test. And we succeeded in that understanding.'
Imrul said that the announcement of retirement from the National Cricket League along with the Test was his own decision. Leaving with honor is more important to him, he said, 'Some players of the Khulna team have asked me, why am I retiring now? I said, maybe after two years you will tell me, when will you leave? Then it might feel bad. I want to respectfully withdraw of my own free will.'
