Brendan Taylor Set for Zimbabwe Comeback After Serving ICC Ban
Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is all set to return to international cricket as he has been named in the squad for the second Test against New Zealand in Bulawayo, marking the end of his three-and-a-half-year ban imposed by the ICC for breach of anti-corruption regulations. Taylor’s selection comes just days after the completion of his suspension, and the 38-year-old is now poised to wear national colours again—something he described as “a moment of reflection and gratitude.”
Brendan Taylor Banned Case?
Brendan Taylor was banned by the ICC in January 2022 after he admitted to accepting money from an Indian businessman to engage in corrupt activities. Though he did not follow through with match-fixing, he delayed reporting the approach to the ICC by four months, violating the anti-corruption code. The ICC handed him a three-year suspension, alongside a one-month ban for a separate doping violation, which was served concurrently.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Brendan Taylor said:
“It’s been a long road—physically, mentally, emotionally. But I’ve used this time to reflect, learn and heal. I’m not here to rewrite the past, but I want to contribute to Zimbabwean cricket again, both on and off the field.”
A Big Boost to Zimbabwe’s Test Squad Amid New Zealand Challenge
Zimbabwe Cricket officially announced Taylor’s inclusion as part of a restructured squad aimed at balancing youth and experience. Head coach Walter Chawaguta stated that Taylor’s return will bolster the team’s middle order and provide much-needed guidance to younger players. The Zimbabwe side is currently trailing 0-1 in the two-match Test series against a strong New Zealand unit, and Taylor’s presence could offer stability in the batting line-up.
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The second Test begins August 2 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, and Taylor is expected to slot in as a key batsman, with discussions also hinting at a potential mentorship role in the near future. Since making his international debut in 2004, Taylor has represented Zimbabwe in 34 Tests, 205 ODIs, and 45 T20Is, amassing over 9,000 international runs.
While Taylor’s return has sparked debate in cricket circles—some praising Zimbabwe Cricket for giving a reformed player a second chance, others calling it a risky move—the general sentiment from fans has been positive, especially on home soil where he remains one of Zimbabwe’s most loved cricketers.
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