• Veteran Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal has announced retirement from first-class cricket.

  • His final first-class appearance came in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored two centuries against Kerala.

Irfan Pathan leads tributes as Priyank Panchal announces retirement from first-class cricket
Priyank Panchal retires from first-class cricket (Image Source: X)

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After a celebrated journey spanning nearly two decades, Gujarat’s dependable top-order batter Priyank Panchal has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. Known for his resilience and unwavering consistency, the 35-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, bringing an end to a career that left an indelible mark on the Indian domestic cricket landscape.

Priyank Panchal calls time after a remarkable first-class career

Panchal, a key figure in Gujarat’s Ranji Trophy triumph and a long-serving servant of the domestic game, retires as the state’s second-highest run-scorer in red-ball cricket. His final first-class appearance came in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored two centuries — including a memorable 148 in the semi-final against Kerala, which turned out to be his farewell knock.

His career stats speak volumes of his contribution:

  • Matches: 127
  • Runs: 8856
  • Centuries: 23 (the most by any Gujarat player)

In addition to his red-ball heroics, Panchal featured in 97 List A games and 59 T20 matches, proving his versatility across formats.

In his retirement message, Panchal expressed deep gratitude to teammates, fans, and mentors. He wrote: “It’s an emotional moment. It’s an enriching moment. And it’s a moment which fills me with a lot of gratitude.”

Panchal added a message to his fans, many of whom had hoped to see him in India colours. He said: “Many of you talk fondly about wanting to see me in India colours. It’s with this steadfast motivation that I continued my journey till now. But the book is not wrapped up… the next chapter always promises to be better.”

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Irfan Pathan, Abhinav Mukund and others applaud Panchal’s career

The cricketing community responded with admiration and well-wishes. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lauded Panchal, saying: “Well done. Good luck for the next chapter of your life.”

Ex-opener Abhinav Mukund added: “Congratulations Priyank, you can be proud of your achievements. Good luck for the 2nd innings!”

Here’s how others reacted:

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