New Zealand legend Ross Taylor has come out of cricketing retirement, set to represent Samoa at the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman. The side will look to push their cause of scripting a maiden appearance for them in next year's marquee event, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka. The Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier is scheduled to start from October 8.
Taylor's name came in Samoa's squad for the qualification of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Taylor took to his Instagram to announce his retirement U-turn ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
"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.
New Zealand's run machine, Taylor, has a Samoan passport, which he got through his mother's heritage. So he is allowed to feature for his second national team after seeing off a three-year standout period after his last match for New Zealand in April 2022.
During his playing days for New Zealand, Taylor played 450 matches across all formats, amassing 18,199 runs before making his last appearance in 2022.
Sean Solia has also made a comeback in the Samoa squad, and on the other hand, Darius Visser, who walloped 39 runs off an over in the Sub-Regional qualifying, has also been included in the mix.
Ross Taylor will play under Caleb Jasmat's captaincy, who led the side in Sub-Regional qualifying, and shocked the world by beating off the likes of Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Fiji to book their berth at the new hybrid Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.
Samoa will look to get a spot from 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.