Dhaka: Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, concluding a career marked by significant achievements in limited-over formats and challenges in Test cricket. The 36-year-old, recognized for his distinctive slinging action, revealed his decision through his social media platforms.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rubel expressed his intention to continue participating in domestic cricket, despite not having played in an international match since a T20 encounter against New Zealand in April 2021. "The national team is my emotion, but I had to say goodbye to international cricket at some point," Rubel stated. "However, I wish to continue playing in domestic tournaments."
Rubel made his international debut in January 2009 against Sri Lanka after emerging from a pace-bowling talent hunt. He became the first Bangladeshi bowler to take four wickets on his ODI debut, ultimately excelling in the ODI format with 129 wickets in 104 matches. His career-defining moment occurred during the 2015 World Cup in Adelaide, where his vital late spell against England propelled Bangladesh to their first-ever quarterfinal. Additionally, he achieved a hat-trick against New Zealand in Dhaka in 2013, with figures of 6-26, which remain tied for the best ODI bowling figures by a Bangladeshi player.
Rubel's performance in other formats was less prominent. He claimed 36 wickets in 27 Test matches, holding the highest bowling average in Test history among players with more than 20 wickets. In T20 internationals, he took 28 wickets in as many matches, with an economy rate nearing 9.5 runs per over.
His international career also encountered off-field challenges, including legal issues that led to time in jail due to personal allegations before the 2015 World Cup. He secured bail to participate in the tournament in Australia.
Despite expressing a desire to prolong his domestic career, Rubel's recent involvement at that level has been limited, having played only one domestic match in the past two years, with his last appearance occurring approximately 15 months ago.