Priyank Panchal announces retirement from first-class cricket

Priyank Panchal made his debut in first-class cricket in 2008.

Former Gujarat captain Priyank Panchal has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. The batter made the decision public through a social media post on Tuesday, May 26. The opening batter represented the Gujarat team in domestic cricket for 18 long years.

Panchal made his debut in first-class cricket for Gujarat in November 2008. He played a total of 127 matches during his domestic career. He mustered 8856 runs at an average of 45.18 to go with 29 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

Notably, Panchal was only associated with the Gujarat team during his entire domestic career and also captained the side. He played his last match against Kerala in the 1st semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. He slammed a stunning knock of 148 in the match, however, Kerala won the match and progressed to the final.

Priyank Panchal thanks his late father after retirement

Panchal shared a post on Twitter to announce his retirement from first-class cricket. He thanked his late father in his post, who inspired him in his cricketing journey.

“I, Priyank Panchal, announce my retirement from first-class cricket with immediate effect. It’s an emotional moment. It’s an enriching moment. And it’s a moment which fills me with a lot of gratitude,” the 35-year-old wrote in his post.

“Growing up, everyone looks up to their father. Idolises them, gets inspired, and tries to impress them. I was no different. My dad was a long-lasting source of strength for me. I was moved by the energy that he gave me, the way he encouraged me to pursue my dreams, to rise from a relatively small city and dare to aspire to wear the India cap one day”, the right-handed batsman further added.

Notably, Panchal has performed consistently well in first-class cricket for many years. Although he didn’t play for the Indian Cricket Team, he captained A squads several times and was also part of the main Indian team when he was named as a replacement for Rohit Sharma for the South Africa tour in 2021-22.

Panchal also did not play any matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He finished as the highest run-scorer in a few Ranji Trophy seasons. Moreover, his 23 centuries for Gujarat are the most by any player from the state.

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