Amarjeet Kaypee, the highest run getter in the Ranji Trophy today announced his retirement from first class cricket.

Kaypee, who led the Haryana side in 31 Ranji matches, told a press conference in Chandigarh that after playing consistently for 20 long years, he had decided to quit the game in a graceful manner. He said that though there was about a year's cricket left in him, he felt it was an opportune time to leave the game as ``I have achieved my aim of making the highest number of runs in the Ranji Trophy.''

Expressing resentment over his not being included in the National team despite his best efforts, Kaypee said that the "partisan attitude" of the North Zone selectors deprived him of playing for the country. ``I have played well in the Ranji games but even after that I was given a chance to play in only four matches in the Duleep Trophy,'' he added. Kaypee said that his aim now was to set up a cricket academy in his home town Jalandhar.

Kaypee led Haryana in 31 Ranji matches and won 13, lost three and drew 12. As many as 21 players, including former Indian captain Ajay Jadeja, made their Ranji Trophy debut under his leadership.

Kaypee played 109 Ranji Trophy games and scored 7623 runs at an average of 54.06. His highest score was 210 not out against Delhi in 1986-87. He scored 27 centuries and 33 half centuries. Kaypee is followed by Ajay Sharma of Delhi who has scored 7421 runs from 87 matches.

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