Rubel Hossain announces retirement from international cricket during IPL 2026 season

April 16, 2026: Rubel Hossain, the experienced Bangladesh fast bowler, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by resilience and memorable performances. The 36-year-old shared the news through social media, expressing gratitude to his supporters while confirming that he will continue to play domestic cricket. 

Despite his experience, Rubel went unsold in the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) auction, with his last appearance in recognised cricket coming during the 2025 BPL, where he featured for Khulna Tigers but went wicketless against Durbar Rajshahi.

A career defined by impactful performances and resilience

Rubel made his international debut in 2009 after emerging from a pace talent hunt programme, making an immediate impression by picking up four wickets against Sri Lanka. Known for his slinging action and sharp pace, he quickly established himself as a dependable option in Bangladesh’s bowling attack. While he represented the national side across all three formats, it was in ODIs where he enjoyed the most success.

He played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic series whitewash over New Zealand in 2010 and further cemented his reputation in 2013 with a remarkable hat-trick against the same opposition in Mirpur. In that match, he registered exceptional figures of 6/26, which remains one of Bangladesh’s best bowling performances in international cricket, alongside Mashrafe Mortaza.

We thank fast bowler Rubel Hossain for his service to Bangladesh cricket. Rubel Hossain, Bangladesh’s hero in some of the country’s most memorable victories, has announced his retirement from international cricket. pic.twitter.com/pJmfeVYOgq

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) April 15, 2026

Rubel’s career-defining moment came during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup against England. In a high-pressure situation, he dismissed Stuart Broad and James Anderson in the 49th over, sealing a famous victory and helping Bangladesh reach the quarterfinals. That spell remains one of the most iconic moments in the nation’s cricketing history.

Across his career, Rubel claimed 129 wickets in 104 ODIs, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh, behind Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak and Mustafizur Rahman. Despite facing injuries and strong competition over the years, he remained a committed performer and a passionate representative of Bangladesh cricket.

As he steps away from international cricket, Rubel Hossain leaves behind a legacy defined by determination, key match-winning spells, and his significant contribution to Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket.