Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Imrul Kayes concluded his illustrious 17-year career in first-class cricket with a match that transcended results, focusing instead on heartfelt celebrations and tributes. Playing for Khulna Division in his final National Cricket League match against Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Imrul received a hero’s send-off both on and off the field.

Despite Khulna’s nine-wicket defeat on the third day, the match ended with a special moment that overshadowed the result. Imrul, asking his captain for the ball, bowled the last over for his team, delivering the game’s final boundary. As the match concluded, the focus shifted to the departing legend. Opponents, teammates, and even umpires gathered to honor the left-handed batsman.

Khulna’s players carried Imrul on their shoulders as he left the field for the last time, a gesture of immense respect for a player who represented Bangladesh in 39 Test matches. In the dressing room area, long-time teammates like Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah joined the celebrations, making the occasion truly memorable.

Imrul's farewell was a culmination of his achievements over nearly two decades. While his numbers in first-class cricket may not reflect extraordinary dominance, they tell the story of a dedicated servant of the game. Across 138 first-class matches, Imrul amassed 7,947 runs at an average of 33.53, with 20 centuries and 27 half-centuries to his name.

His finest moment in red-ball cricket came during the 2014 Bangladesh Cricket League final, where he scored a breathtaking 204 for South Zone, featuring 10 fours and 9 sixes. Another career highlight was his unbeaten 202 for Khulna in the 2019 National Cricket League, showcasing his penchant for delivering in crucial matches.

Imrul made his Test debut in 2008 during Bangladesh's tour of South Africa, and his career concluded with the iconic Kolkata Test against India in 2019. In 39 Tests, he scored 1,797 runs at an average of 24.76, including three centuries and four half-centuries.

One of Imrul's most unforgettable performances came in the 2015 Khulna Test against Pakistan. After scoring a fifty in the first innings, he kept wickets for 120 overs due to Mushfiqur Rahim's injury. In the second innings, Imrul partnered with Tamim Iqbal for a record-breaking 312-run opening stand, helping Bangladesh avoid a near-certain defeat. This partnership remains Bangladesh's highest for the first wicket and the only triple-century stand in their Test history.

Throughout his final match, tributes poured in from various quarters. The Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh presented Imrul with a special memento on the first day. His teammates gave him a guard of honor as he walked out to bat for the last time, and the Bangladesh Cricket Board honored him post-match with a commemorative plaque.

Though Imrul couldn’t deliver a fairytale performance with the bat in his farewell match—scoring 16 in the first innings and just one in the second—the warmth and respect he received highlighted the impact he had on the game.

As Imrul Kayes closes the chapter on his first-class career, his contributions to Bangladesh cricket will be remembered fondly, not just for the statistics but for the moments that defined his journey.