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Key Points

Former New Zealand batting star Ross Taylor is making a surprising return to cricket. He will represent Samoa in the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers in Oman. Taylor qualified through his mother's heritage and holds a Samoan passport. This move aims to help Samoa secure their first-ever appearance in a global cricket event.

Key Points: Ross Taylor Comes Out of Retirement to Represent Samoa Cricket

  • Ross Taylor obtained Samoan passport through his mother's heritage
  • He retired from New Zealand cricket in April 2022 after 450 appearances
  • Samoa aims to qualify for 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
  • Taylor will join squad under captain Caleb Jasmat for Oman qualifiers
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Former New Zealand star Ross Taylor comes out of retirement to represent Samoa

Former New Zealand star Ross Taylor ends retirement to play for Samoa in T20 World Cup qualifiers, honoring his heritage and aiming to secure their maiden appearance.

"It's official - I'm proud to announce that I'll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket - Ross Taylor"

New Delhi, September 5

Former New Zealand run machine Ross Taylor is set to represent Samoa at the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman to push their cause of scripting a maiden appearance for them in next year's global event. The Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier will kick off on October 8.

On Friday morning, the ICC World Test Championship winner's name popped up in Samoa's squad as they prepare to embark on the final journey towards the qualification of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. For "proud" Taylor, it is a "huge" honour to represent his heritage and signifies more than just a return to the game that he loves.

"It's official - I'm proud to announce that I'll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket. This is more than just a return to the game I love - it's the 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 wrote on Instagram.

The 41-year-old Taylor holds a Samoan passport, which he obtained through his mother's heritage. Thus, he is eligible to represent his second national team after seeing off a three-year stand out period after his last match for New Zealand in April 2022.

During his playing days with the Blackcaps, Taylor made 450 appearances across all formats and garnered 18,199 runs before making his last appearance in 2022.

He features among several inclusions as Samoa aims to secure a spot in the marquee event, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. Sean Solia has returned to the fold, while Darius Visser, who walloped 39 runs off an over in Sub-Regional qualifying, also features in the mix.

Taylor will play under the captaincy of Caleb Jasmat, who led the side in Sub-Regional qualifying, and shocked the world by beating off the likes of Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Fiji to claim their spot at the new hybrid Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

Samoa will fight for the three spots available alongside Papua New Guinea and Japan in a competition also featuring Oman, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Samoa T20 Squad: Caleb Jasmat (c), Ross Taylor, Darius Visser, Sean Solia, Daniel Burgess, Douglas Finau, Sam French, Kurtis Hynam-Nyberg, Ben Mailata, Noah Mead, Solomon Nash, Samson Sola, Fereti Sululoto, Saumani Tiai, Ili Tugaga.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
At 41 years old, coming out of retirement to help a smaller cricketing nation - that's real passion for the game! Hope Samoa qualifies and we get to see Taylor play in India next year.
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Arjun K
Interesting move, but isn't this taking away opportunities from local Samoan players who've been grinding for years? While his experience will help, hope it doesn't become a trend where retired stars displace developing talent.
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Sarah B
His experience will be invaluable for the young Samoan team. Remember how Yuvraj Singh helped Nepal? Sometimes veteran presence can accelerate a team's development dramatically.
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Vikram M
️18,199 international runs coming to help Samoa qualify! This is exactly what associate nations need - world-class experience. Hope ICC supports more such initiatives to grow the game globally.
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Kavya N
Love how cricket connects diaspora communities with their heritage. Taylor's Samoan passport through his mother shows how our identities are multilayered. More power to him! 💙

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