Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain has offered a candid reflection on his retirement from international cricket, stating that he believes he could have continued representing the national side for “another three years” had circumstances aligned differently.
Rubel, who last played for Bangladesh in April 2021, officially announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday via social media. Although stepping away from the international stage, he confirmed that he will continue to feature in domestic competitions for the foreseeable future.
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‘Right moment’ after long absence
Explaining his decision, Rubel pointed to a combination of factors including declining fitness levels, prolonged absence from international selection, and the emergence of a settled younger 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 end of his international journey, Rubel admitted there is an emotional dimension to his departure.
“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.”
Uncertain future beyond playing career
Rubel said he has not yet finalised his post-playing career plans, though he is considering coaching or business opportunities.
“At the moment I want to continue playing domestic cricket for as long as possible. After that, I may move into coaching or possibly start a business. Nothing is decided yet, but cricket will always remain close to me.”
Mixed emotions over international career
Reflecting on his time with the national side, Rubel described a career shaped by both pride and frustration, particularly regarding inconsistent selection despite periods of good 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 noted that limited opportunities contributed to him falling short of the 200-wicket milestone in international cricket.
“I believe I could have played another three years for Bangladesh, maybe until 2024 or 2025.”
Career highlights at a glance
| Category | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2015 World Cup | Victory over England (career-defining match) |
| 2009 | Whitewash series win 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 moments, Rubel identified Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket as the most memorable of his career.
“He is a legend of the game. That wicket will always be the most special for me,” he said.
He also recalled the emotional significance of dismissing Virat Kohli.
“I have known him since Under-19 cricket. When I got him out, my celebration was completely different. Those moments stay with you.”
Matches that defined his journey
Rubel highlighted Bangladesh’s 2015 World Cup win over England as a standout achievement, alongside the 2009 whitewash of New Zealand and his match-winning spell in 2013 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 and missed opportunities
The pacer also reflected on painful moments, particularly Bangladesh’s narrow defeats in the Nidahas Trophy.
“That still hurts. I should have been calmer and more disciplined with my bowling. I rushed my plans in pressure situations.”
Support for new leadership and youth development
Rubel expressed optimism about Bangladesh cricket’s future under new leadership at the Bangladesh Cricket Board, offering his support 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 called for the revival of the former fast-bowling scouting initiative, commonly known as the “Pacer Hunt” programme, which played a role in his own rise.
“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.”