Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain has offered an honest reflection on his retirement from international cricket, saying he believes he could have continued representing the national side for “another three years” if circumstances had been different.
Rubel, who last played for Bangladesh in April 2021, formally announced his international retirement on Wednesday through social media. While stepping away from international cricket, he confirmed that he will continue playing domestic competitions for the foreseeable future.
‘Right time’ after prolonged absence
Explaining his decision, Rubel cited a combination of factors, including declining fitness, extended absence from national selection, and the emergence of a settled younger pace attack within the squad.
“Age catches up with everyone and at some point you have to leave cricket,” he said. “I have not been in the national team for a long time. I did not play in the recent Dhaka League or the BPL, so I felt this was the right moment. My fitness is not what it used to be.”
Despite accepting the natural conclusion of his international career, he admitted there was an emotional weight to the decision.
“There is sadness because I have been with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for many years, starting from age-group cricket. But the younger players are performing well, and I understand I cannot continue anymore.”
Future still open
Rubel said he has not yet decided what comes next after his playing career, though coaching and business ventures remain possibilities.
“At the moment I want to continue playing domestic cricket for as long as possible. After that I may go into coaching or possibly start a business. Nothing is decided yet, but cricket will always remain close to me.”
Pride mixed with regret
Reflecting on his international journey, Rubel described a career shaped by both memorable highs and frustrating inconsistencies, particularly around selection despite periods of strong form.
“There will always be regrets,” he said. “I had good phases and difficult ones. Even when I was performing well, I was not always picked regularly. If I had played more consistently, I could have taken more wickets.”
He also suggested that limited opportunities contributed to him missing the landmark of 200 international wickets.
“I think I could have played another three years for Bangladesh, maybe until 2024 or 2025.”
Career highlights
| Category | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2015 World Cup | Victory over England |
| 2009 | Series whitewash vs New Zealand |
| 2013 | Hat-trick and 6-wicket haul vs New Zealand |
| Test cricket | Dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar |
| Limited-overs cricket | Wickets of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli |
Among these, Rubel singled out the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar as the most significant moment of his career.
“He is a legend of cricket. That wicket will always be the most special for me,” he said.
He also recalled the emotional impact of dismissing Virat Kohli.
“I have known him since Under-19 cricket. When I got him out, my celebration was very different. Those moments stay with you.”
Matches that defined his career
Rubel highlighted Bangladesh’s famous 2015 World Cup win over England as a defining achievement, along with the 2009 New Zealand series whitewash and his standout 2013 performance against the same opposition.
“2015 was a very challenging World Cup for me personally, but I contributed when it mattered most. That is something I will always remember with pride.”
Regrets under pressure
The pacer also reflected on painful memories, particularly Bangladesh’s narrow defeats in the Nidahas Trophy.
“That still hurts. I should have been calmer and more disciplined in my bowling. I rushed my plans in pressure situations.”
Support for leadership and youth development
Rubel expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh cricket under new leadership at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, extending his best wishes to incoming president Tamim Iqbal.
“I wish Tamim all the best. He has seen facilities around the world, and I believe he will use that experience well.”
He also urged the revival of the former fast-bowling talent identification programme, known as the “Pacer Hunt”, which helped launch his own career.
“I came through the Pacer Hunt system. It should be brought back. Players like Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain and Shoriful Islam show what is possible. If more talent is identified like this, Bangladesh cricket will benefit greatly.”