Rubel Hossain signed off from international cricket last week, receiving a formal farewell from the Bangladesh Cricket Board at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday before the second ODI against New Zealand, and used the moment to thank his long-time mentor Sarwar Imran for shaping his career.
Rubel walked away quietly last week, announcing his retirement on social media after drifting out of the national setup since April 2021. He did not get the fairytale ending on the pitch, but he got something close at Mirpur. The board stepped in, handed him a proper send-off, and let the fast bowler close the chapter with dignity.
“At this stage of my career, I want to thank and wish well my family, the groundsmen, coaches and everyone,” he said. That line carried weight because Rubel built his career the hard way, grinding through domestic cricket before earning his Bangladesh cap in 2009.
He revealed the human side of the exit as well. “When I retired from international cricket, BCB president Tamim Iqbal called me and said, ‘Rubel, we want to give you a farewell reception’.” That call matters because it signals respect, something many cricketers never receive when the spotlight fades.
Rubel did not forget the man who spotted him early. “I must mention one person who picked me from the pacer hunt and took me all the way to the national team, that is Sarwar Imran sir.” He nailed the point without drama; every fast bowler needs a guiding hand, and Imran clearly played that role.
