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Ross Taylor returns from retirement to play for Samoa in T20 World Cup qualifiers. He will compete in Oman as Samoa aims for the 2026 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
new Zealand reverses retirement to play for Samoa
New Zealand cricket legend Ross Taylor announced on Friday his return from retirement, nearly four years after stepping away, to assist Samoa in qualifying for next year’s T20 World Cup.
The 41-year-old former Blackcaps captain expressed that it would be a “huge honour” to represent the country of his mother’s birth.
“It’s official – I’m proud to announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket,” he said on social media.
“This is more than just a return to the game I love; it’s a huge honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field.”
Taylor played 450 matches for New Zealand across all three formats, including 112 Tests. He last wore the black jersey in early 2022 and only became eligible to represent Samoa in April after the required stand-down period before switching allegiances.
“I always wanted to give back in some capacity but didn’t know that I’d be giving back in a playing capacity,” he told New Zealand media.
“I always thought it would be coaching and coaching young kids and donating gear where I could. But being able to get into the playing side of it, it’s something that I’m looking forward to.”
Taylor will participate in the World Cup Asia-Pacific qualifying series in Oman in October, where Samoa will face the hosts and Papua New Guinea in Group 3.
Teams are divided into three groups of three, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Six stage. At the end of the Super Six, the top three teams earn their place in the 2026 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
(With Agency Inputs)
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
September 05, 2025, 08:05 IST
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