Cricket 2026: Tributes flow after star announces international retirement after 17 years

Cricket fans and commentators are congratulating Rubel Hossain on a trailblazing career after the Bangladeshi announced his retirement from international level. The fast bowler played 27 Tests for Bangladesh, as well as 104 one-day internationals and 28 T20 internationals, taking 193 wickets across all formats.

The 36-year-old hadn't played at international level since 2021 in a T20 against New Zealand. On Wednesday he announced the end of his international career, but said he's keen to play on at domestic and franchise level.

"The national team is my passion. But at some point, I had to leave international cricket," he wrote on Facebook to his 3.5 million followers. "With that in mind, I said goodbye to international cricket. However, I intend to continue playing domestic cricket. Thank you to my family, friends, media personnel and fans. I believe that you will continue to support me for the rest of my life."

Hossain made his international debut in all three formats in 2009, becoming the first bowler from Bangladesh to take four wickets on ODI debut. He took 4-33 to help his country beat Sri Lanka.

Cricket world pays tribute after Rubel Hossain retires

He famously took 4-53 as Bangladesh shocked England at the World Cup in Australia in 2015. He claimed the massive scalps of Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan in the space of four balls, before dismissing Stuart Broad and James Anderson to seal a stunning upset victory by 15 runs.

He's Bangladesh's fifth-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, and took a six-wicket haul that included a hat-trick against New Zealand in 2013. Bangladesh Cricket wrote on social media: "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."

One fan wrote: "An era ends. Thank you for the fire, the passion, and the unforgettable moments you gave to Bangladesh cricket."

Another commented: "A career highlighted by pace, passion, and unforgettable moments on the global stage." While a third added: "What a career for the Bangladeshi pacer! Respect!"

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