Ross Taylor’s Stunning Comeback: New Zealand Legend to Play for Samoa in T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a major surprise for the cricketing world, New Zealand legend Ross Taylor has announced his return from retirement—this time to represent Samoa in the Asia–East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The qualifying tournament kicks off in Oman on October 8.
Taylor, who retired from international cricket in April 2022, revealed his decision through an emotional Instagram post. “I am proud to announce that I will wear the blue jersey and represent Samoa in cricket. This decision is bigger than just a comeback—it’s about honoring my heritage, my culture, my villages, and my family. I am excited to give back to the game, join the team, and share my experience on and off the field,” he wrote.
Since his debut in 2006, Taylor became one of New Zealand’s greatest ever batsmen, amassing 18,199 international runs across formats—second only to Kane Williamson (19,086). He represented the Black Caps in 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is, playing a crucial role in their ICC World Test Championship triumph.
Taylor last featured for New Zealand in April 2022. After serving the ICC’s mandatory three-year stand-down period, he became eligible to represent another national team—thanks to his mother’s Samoan heritage, which also granted him a Samoan passport.
Samoa, led by captain Caleb Jasmat, shocked the cricketing community by qualifying for the new hybrid Asia/East Asia-Pacific stage after defeating teams like Vanuatu, Cook Islands, and Fiji. They will now compete alongside Papua New Guinea and Japan for three coveted T20 World Cup spots. Strong teams from Oman, Nepal, UAE, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Qatar are also part of the nine-nation event.
Samoa’s 15-member squad features Ross Taylor alongside Caleb Jasmat (captain), Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hyunm-Nyberg, Ben Malata, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Fereti Sululoto, Saumani Tiai, and Eli Tugaga. Taylor’s comeback adds both star power and invaluable experience to Samoa, raising hopes for a historic qualification campaign.