New Zealand cricket legend Ross Taylor is set to come out of retirement, with the 41-year-old named in the Samoa squad for the upcoming Asia–East Asia-Pacific T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Oman. Samoa will be aiming to secure a place in the marquee ICC event, and Taylor’s inclusion provides a huge boost to the team’s ambitions.
The announcement came on September 5, when Samoa officially revealed its squad for the qualifiers. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 8, and Taylor’s return instantly became the headline news. His vast international experience is expected to play a key role as Samoa takes on the regional challenge.
Following the news, Taylor confirmed his comeback via Instagram, where he expressed his pride in representing his Samoan heritage. In his post, he highlighted that this return was not just about playing cricket again, but also about honouring his culture, family, and villages. Taylor added that he is eager to contribute on and off the field, sharing his experience with the squad as Samoa looks to make history on the global stage.
