Ex-BlackCap Ross Taylor to Make International Comeback with Samoa

5 September-Kolkata, India: Former New Zealand batter and cricket legend Ross Taylor(41) who represented his national side the Kiwis in 112 Tests, 236 ODIs and 102 T20Is comes out of retirement.

However, he won’t return to wear the Black Caps hat; the 41-year-old will play for Samoa in the upcoming Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, which Oman will host as the country looks to qualify for the competition that India and Sri Lanka will hold the following year.

To advance to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Samoa must first qualify for the Asia-East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier, and the selectors have chosen Taylor for the squad. On October 8, 2025, the qualification competition will get underway.

Ross Taylor on representing Samoa

Ross Taylor officially announced the news on Instagram. He described the choice as more than simply a “return to the game,” which he loves.

Taylor posted on Instagram which stated that “Coming out of retirement. 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.”

He further added “I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field. Time to get back out there – #685 to the world! CHEEEHOOO.”

Relations between Taylor and Samoa

According to the information on the ICC’s official website, Ross Taylor holds Samoan heritage on his mother’s side. After a stellar three-year run after his final New Zealand match in April 2022, he was eligible for his second national team.

Ross Taylor amassed more than 18,000 runs for the Black Caps across all game formats, including 1909 at a strike rate of 122.37 during his T20I career.

In addition, the right-hander participated in five Caribbean Premier League(CPL) seasons and seven Indian Premier League seasons.