Ross Taylor, New Zealand’s most capped cricketer, has rescinded his retirement from international cricket. The 41-year-old will not be turning out in the black jersey of New Zealand, but in the blue of Samoa. His inclusion has been confirmed for the East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025, beginning October 8 in Oman, which will decide spots for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Taylor revealed his comeback through a social media post on September 5. He stated, “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." He added that playing for Samoa was more than a return to the game, calling it an honour to uphold his heritage, culture, and family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ross Taylor (@rossltaylor3) The decision follows the completion of a three-year stand-down period since his last appearance for New Zealand in April 2022, making him eligible under ICC rules to switch allegiance. Taylor carries a Samoan passport through his mother’s lineage. Read also: India-W wicketkeeper batter ruled out from World Cup, BCCI announced replacement Heritage, Records, and Upcoming Assignment Taylor has often referred to Samoa and traditional Kilikiti cricket as integral parts of his upbringing. His choice was influenced by Tarun Nethula, former New Zealand spinner and current Samoa coach, who persuaded him to join the squad for the qualifying tournament. Statistically, Taylor remains unmatched in New Zealand cricket. Since debuting in 2006, he has played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is, accumulating more than 18,000 international runs. His career highlight came in 2021, when he was part of New Zealand’s World Test Championship triumph over India. Post-retirement in 2022, Taylor continued in various leagues for retired players, including the Legends League tournaments in India and Sri Lanka. His last IPL outing was in 2014, while his final franchise T20 game came in the Caribbean Premier League in 2020. Taylor acknowledged his age with humour. While confirming his readiness for Samoa, he remarked, "I'm no spring chicken but I'm sure I'm still fit enough to run around the boundary, but hiding at short third man and short 45 is probably not a bad thing either." Samoa will contest the qualifiers alongside Papua New Guinea, Japan, Oman, Nepal, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE. Three teams from the Super Six will secure entry to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Samoa 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.