Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career that featured 159 appearances across all formats for his country.
Rubel confirmed his decision through a Facebook post, where he reflected on his long journey with the national team and expressed gratitude for the support he received over the years. He stated that he played 27 Test matches, 104 One Day Internationals, and 28 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh. While describing the national team as his passion, he said he had reached a stage where stepping away from international cricket became necessary. He added that although his international career is over, he intends to continue playing domestic cricket and remains thankful to his family, friends, media representatives, and fans for their constant encouragement.
The 36-year-old last appeared for Bangladesh in April 2021 during a T20 International against New Zealand in Auckland. Since then, injuries and fitness challenges have limited his opportunities, affecting both international and domestic participation.
Rubel is best remembered for his standout performance in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup against England in Adelaide, where he played a crucial role by taking key wickets, including Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan, helping Bangladesh secure a memorable victory.
He made his international debut in 2009 after being identified during a nationwide talent hunt by former fast-bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake. Known for his slingy bowling action and ability to consistently bowl above 140 km/h, he quickly became a promising pace option for Bangladesh.
In ODIs, Rubel achieved several milestones, including becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to take four wickets on debut against Sri Lanka in 2009. His career also featured impressive spells such as a hat-trick and a six-wicket haul against New Zealand in 2013.
Overall, he leaves international cricket as Bangladesh’s fifth-highest ODI wicket-taker, finishing with 129 wickets in the format, despite facing challenges with consistency in Test cricket.
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