Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan Taylor is gearing up for a return to international cricket as his three-and-a-half-year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code comes to an end this July. Now 39, Taylor believes he still has plenty to offer and is targeting a spot in Zimbabwe’s squad for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, which the country will co-host.
Initially, Taylor had considered transitioning into coaching, but Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, convinced him to focus on a playing comeback instead. Once eligible on July 25, Taylor is eager to step back onto the field.
“I still want to play, and I believe I can make an impact,” Taylor told ESPNcricinfo. “If I didn’t think I had it in me, I wouldn’t bother. Givemore has been a huge supporter—he even put coaching on hold and told me, ‘Can you push yourself until the 2027 World Cup?’”
Overcoming Challenges
Taylor’s return marks the end of a turbulent chapter in his life. He has openly spoken about his past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, including a distressing 2021 incident where match-fixers secretly filmed him using cocaine. Fearing blackmail, Taylor abruptly retired in September 2021 but later reported the incident to the ICC in January 2022. Determined to turn his life around, he entered rehab in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, where he spent 90 days working through his addiction.
Now sober and back in training, Taylor has opened a private coaching facility at his home and has been practicing at St John’s College in Harare. Though his ban prevents him from competitive matches, he has been sharpening his batting, fielding, and wicketkeeping skills.
“There’s still work to do, but I feel close to my best,” he said. “I train early in the morning, come back in the afternoon, and do it all over again.”
Road to Redemption
Taylor won’t be eligible for Zimbabwe’s historic Test match against England in May—their first in over 20 years—but he’s hopeful of making the squad for the home series against New Zealand in August. He’s also eyeing a role in Zimbabwe’s campaign for the Africa Regional Qualifiers for the 2024 T20 World Cup, though he admits his T20 game needs fine-tuning.
“I see myself playing Tests and ODIs for sure,” he said. “T20s? That’s something I’ll have to sharpen up, but I’m excited for the challenge. A home World Cup is special, and after the heartbreak of recent tournaments, we want to turn things around.”
Taylor isn’t alone in pushing the boundaries of age in Zimbabwean cricket. Veterans like Craig Ervine (39), Sikandar Raza (38), and Sean Williams (38) remain key figures in the squad. Seeing their continued success has motivated Taylor to make his own comeback.
“They’re still top performers, and that gives me hope and belief that I can do this too,” he said.
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A Different Perspective
For Taylor, this isn’t just about personal redemption—it’s about contributing to Zimbabwe cricket in a meaningful way.
“I’ve been humbled,” he admitted. “Before, I probably didn’t add as much value as I could have. Now, I want to give back and be part of something special.”
Reflecting on the road ahead, Taylor is driven by a sense of unfinished business. He wants to help Zimbabwe put on a strong performance at the 2027 World Cup and support Makoni’s vision for the tournament.
“For Givemore, this World Cup means everything,” he said. “He wants to get it right, and I want to be part of that journey.”
If Taylor’s comeback is successful, he’ll be joining a seasoned Zimbabwe squad determined to make a statement on home soil in 2027.
