Kent bowler Imran Qayyum has retired from the game through injury.

The 27-year-old left-arm spinner - known as ‘Immy’ to his team-mates - made 82 appearances for the county but has been forced to call time on his career because of a shoulder injury.

Qayyum, who played youth cricket for Middlesex and 2nd XI cricket with Northants and Sussex, has been with Kent since 2014 and made his first class debut for them in May 2016. He became a key man for Kent in the T20 format.

Kent announced his retirement on Thursday, with the player saying: “It’s disappointing that my career has been cut short, but I can look back with pride on the contributions I’ve made as a Kent player. I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing for Kent, and I’ll always be a Spitfire.

“I’d like to thank my team-mates, coaches, support staff and especially Kent’s Members and supporters for all of their support during my time as a professional cricketer and I’ll have nothing but good memories.

“I’m very grateful of the opportunity that Kent Cricket gave me to live my childhood dream. I wish the very best of luck to everyone at the club.”

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