Alok Kapali, who picked up the first hat-trick in Tests for Bangladesh and scored many runs in the domestic arena in the last 22 years, announced his retirement from first-class cricket Monday.

On the same day, on August 29 in 2003, the all-rounder claimed a hat-trick in a Test against Pakistan.

In his 93-match international career, Alok was considered the best fielder for Bangladesh. He scored 1,876 runs in international cricket and played his last Test in 2006.

Alok's only hundred in international cricket came against India in Karachi in 2008.

"I've been playing first-class cricket for the last two decades. And I've taken part in international cricket for Bangladesh in every format," Alok wrote on his social media page.

"I would like to thank you all who have supported me a lot along the way. I'm proud to be a part of the sporting arena of Bangladesh and Sylhet."

"I think this is the time to pave the way for young talents," he added. "I have decided to retire from first-class cricket so that I can give more time to my family and pave the way for the young cricketers."

Despite deciding to retire from first-class cricket, Kapali said that he would continue to play in the shorter version of domestic cricket.

In his 172-match first-class career, Alok scored more than 9,000 runs with 20 centuries and 37 half-centuries.