Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain has announced his retirement from Test cricket aiming to create opportunities for youngsters in this format.

Rubel confirmed the matter in a post on his verified Facebook page this morning. 

However, the pacer wants to continue T20 and ODI crickets.

Rubel made his Test debut back in 2009 against West Indies and bagged 36 wickets in 27 Tests for Bangladesh.

Rubel last played a Test in February 2020 against Pakistan, in which he picked three wickets.

The pacer said: "Assalamualaikom. I wanted to inform an issue. I have officially submitted a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and decided to retire from Test cricket,’ wrote Rubel on his verified Facebook account."

He said, "The longer version of cricket plays a big role in strengthening the national team's pipeline. I think our pipeline will strengthen more if the young pacers get more opportunities. In order to provide the youngsters more opportunities in the red-ball format, I have decided to retire from Test cricket." 

He also said: "I was able to able to play 27 Tests for Bangladesh, which is a big achievement for me."

"Those who have helped me during my journey with the red ball cricket, I am grateful to all of them and I hope I will get your support in the coming days as well. I may have retired from Test cricket but I believe I still have a lot to give in the ODI and T20I formats for Bangladesh," he added.

"I will continue playing in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) along with the other white-ball tournaments. Pray for me so that I can gift you with colourful dreams in white-ball formats," Rubel concluded.

BDST: 1536 HRS, SEP 19, 2022
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