Cricket News
Remarkable Cricket Comebacks: Legends who defied retirement and returned to shine
Cricket is a game that requires sheer dedication and fitness. It requires a great fighting spirit and remarkable patience from players to reward them. In the history of the game, there have been several players who ended their careers abruptly and later made a comeback to play for their team. In the ongoing calendar year, around three prominent players have made a comeback from retirement.
Several prominent players have recently embarked on remarkable comebacks after retiring from international cricket, displaying their unwavering commitment to representing their respective countries. Starting with England’s dynamic all-rounder and red ball captain, Ben Stokes, who recently made a comeback by rejoining the England squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Having previously announced his retirement from ODIs in July 2022 to manage his workload, Stokes’ return is a testament to his enduring passion for the game.
Moeen Ali, another English all-rounder, stunned cricket enthusiasts when he chose to step away from Test cricket in September 2021. However, in a surprising twist of events, he reversed his decision prior to the 2023 Ashes series. Despite his commendable efforts, Ali eventually bid farewell to Test cricket again after the conclusion of the series, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
Another name on the list is legendary Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal. After declaring his retirement from ODI cricket on July 6, Iqbal’s journey took an unexpected turn when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intervened. Her persuasive influence prompted Iqbal to reconsider his decision, leading to his swift reversal on July 7. Apart from them, there are a few more legendary players who made comebacks for their respective countries. Here is the list:
#Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi (Source: Twitter)
Shahid Afridi, the former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, amazed everyone with his strong determination as he made comebacks from retirement multiple times throughout his impressive career. His name stands out in the history of cricket, not just for his performance on the field but also for his decisions to retire and then return to play. In 2006, he took a break from playing Test matches but made a U-turn in just two weeks. In 2010, he was awarded the captaincy of the side.
He led the team in a single Test match before stepping away from that role again. After leaving the field with a crushing defeat against India in the 2011 ODI World Cup in a dramatic fashion due to disagreements with coach Waqar Younis, He made an inspiring return to the ODI team in 2011 under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq. He continued to play until the 2015 World Cup, showing his dedication to the game. In 2017, he finally announced his retirement, and since then he hasn’t made a comeback.
#Imran Khan (Pakistan)
Imran Khan (Source: Twitter)
Former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan is celebrated as the nation’s greatest player to ever grace the field. After retiring in 1987, the legendary all-rounder made a stunning return in 1988 at the age of 36. His comeback was prompted by a request from Pakistan’s then-President, Zia Ul Haq.
Imran Khan’s remarkable return became the stuff of legends as he led Pakistan to its first and only ODI World Cup triumph in 1992. His final act in the World Cup final, where he took the last wicket of England’s innings, added to his iconic status. With this, Imran Khan bid farewell to the game, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
#Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)
Brenden Taylor (Source: Twitter)
Brendan Taylor, the former Zimbabwean cricketer, exemplifies remarkable resilience in his journey. After stepping away from international cricket in 2015, Taylor made a triumphant comeback in 2017. Since his return, he has consistently showcased his skills, excelling as a wicketkeeper-batsman. His valuable contributions have improved the team’s performance.
Currently, Taylor stands as a pivotal figure in Zimbabwe cricket. He has been phenomenal with the bat, scoring 2320 runs in 34 Test matches. In limited-over formats, he has scored 6684 runs in over 200 ODI games, including 11 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He has also scored 859 runs in 44 T20Is with the help of five half-centuries.
#Kevin Pietersen (England)
Kevin Pietersen (Source: Twitter)
The charismatic cricketer Kevin Pietersen burst onto the international scene with a dynamic ODI debut against Zimbabwe in November 2004. A few months later, his Test entry was equally impressive, marked by half-centuries in both innings during the 2005 Ashes opener, totalling 473 runs across the series.
Taking charge as skipper in 2008-09, Pietersen captained England in Tests and ODIs before stepping down due to disagreements with the ECB. His limited-overs retirement in 2012 came after a text message scandal. However, he termed it an aim to nurture younger talent for the 2015 World Cup.
Yet Pietersen’s story took another twist when he reconciled with the ECB later that year, granting him a return to international cricket across all formats. His final Test appearance came in the 2014 Ashes. In 2018, the prolific batsman eventually bid adieu, amassing over 13,000 runs, including 32 centuries and 67 half-centuries, in 177 appearances.