Former Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes has announced his retirement from First-class cricket.

"On November 16, I will retire from Tests and first-class cricket. It is the most difficult and emotional decision of my life," Imrul said in a video message on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

However, the left-handed opener will continue to play white-ball cricket.

Imrul's last red-ball match will be at the Sher-e- Bangla National Stadium from November 16 when his team Khulna Division takes on Dhaka Division in the fifth-round of ongoing National Cricket League, the country's traditional first-class tournament.

Imrul, who last played Test at Eden Gardens in 2019, made 1797 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 24.28.

Imrul and Tamim Iqbal, who put four opening pair century stands between them, formed a very successful opening pair as they added 2336 runs in 53 innings - a figure that remains the highest in this format for Bangladesh. Their first-wicket partnership average of 45.80 is also the best of any Bangladesh opening pair.

Imrul will be eyeing to score at least 70 runs in his last First-class game as that will allow him to end his career by breaching the 8000-run mark.