Imrul Kayes plans to open a cricket academy in Australia with Shane Watson

|| CF CORRESPONDENT ||

Imrul Kayes, the veteran left-handed opener, announced on Wednesday his retirement from Test and first-class cricket, marking the end of his red-ball career. Imrul, who last played for Bangladesh in the pink ball Test against India at Eden Gardens on November, 2019, has since been active in domestic cricket and Bangladesh Premier League.

Alongside his cricketing commitments, he ventured into business, establishing a bat manufacturing company ‘MKS’ with Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Imrul's declaration to retire from longer formats has raised questions about his future plans. Speaking to Cricfrenzy for an exclusive interview while participating in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL), he has revealed his ambition to pursue coaching as a post-retirement career and other plans.

He has been a permanent resident of Australia for two years and intends to spend more time there after retiring from cricket.

"I am already a permanent resident of Australia and have been living there for the past two years. I travel back and forth frequently. After retiring, I plan to stay there more and am preparing accordingly," said Imrul.

To extend his cricketing involvement, Imrul has ambitious plans to establish a cricket academy in Australia in collaboration with Australia’s former all-rounder Shane Watson.

"I have connected with many prominent Australian cricketers. Shane Watson and I are working on setting up an academy in Australia, and he will be directly involved. I believe it will be a great initiative," Imrul shared.

While Imrul pictures a future based in Australia, his ties to Bangladesh cricket remain strong. He expressed his desire to contribute to the Bangladesh’s cricket in any capacity, considering it a privilege to give back to the system that has given him so much.

Imrul plans to enroll in Australia's Level Three coaching program and open a gate for his coaching career.

"The country has given me so much; cricket has brought me great honor. I am indebted to Bangladesh cricket. If I ever get the chance to contribute to cricket here, I will consider myself very fortunate. Although I couldn't give my best during my playing career, I hope to do so through coaching. I will complete my Level Three training in Australia and coach under a reputed academy," Imrul concluded.