Alok Kapali announces retirement from first-class cricket

Former Bangladesh all-rounder Alok Kapali has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, bringing an end to one of the longest professional careers in Bangladesh's modern era. Kapali announced on Facebook on Monday.In his 172 appearances in the country's longer version games for Sylhet division, the 38-year old batting all-rounder amassed 7,066 runs. He also took 217 wickets with his leg spin including seven five-wicket hauls. He started his career for Sylhet in the 2000-01 season in November against Dhaka Metro which was Bangladesh's second first-class season.

August 29, 2003 was one of the memorable days days of his career as well as a memorable day for Bangladesh cricket. He was the first bowler of the country to claim a Test hat trick on this day in 2003 and  after 19 years on the same day he called time on first-class career in order to provide opportunities to young players and to give more time to his family.

In his Facebook account, He wrote: "I have been playing first class cricket since the 2000-2001 season and have represented Bangladesh in the Test, ODI and T20 formats. I am grateful to all the people who have supported me during this period. "I am proud to be a part of Bangladesh and the greater Sylhet region. But I think it's time to give more opportunities to younger players from Sylhet in first-class competitions. In order to provide opportunities to young players and to give more time to my family, I have decided to retire from first-class competitions. I will only take part in the limited-overs cricket from 2022-2023 season. I hope for all the success for cricket in greater Sylhet and I will try to give all my support to help improve the game in this region." However the Sylhet born all-rounder who played 17 Tests, 18 ODIs and seven T20Is between 2002, informed that he would continue to play limited-over cricket.