Hossain made his One Day International (ODI) debut against the West Indies on 18 May 2004, scoring 17 runs at number five.

[2] Although he was drafted in as cover for the injured captain, Habibul Bashar, in the ICC Champions Trophy in August 2004,[3] Hossain did not play another international match.

He was allowed to bowl in competitive cricket under supervision, but faced a life ban after his action was reported again.

[7] In December 2008, Hossain was recalled to the Bangladesh squad to face Sri Lanka at home four years after playing his last Test.

After another successful season in 2009–10 where he was the 2nd highest run scorer in the domestic league in four-day matches, he got into the one-day side again for Bangladesh's tour to England.

In the 2010–11, he was one of the most consistent performers in the league and earned a place in the Bangladesh A side which will tour South Africa in January 2012.