These players couldn’t stay away from the game for long Cricket retirements are often emotional, but sometimes, the story doesn’t end there. Whether due to public pressure, national need, or personal motivation, several stars have made surprising comebacks after officially stepping away. Here are 10 well-known cricketers who made a return after announcing retirement. The following list is arranged year-wise—from the earliest to the most recent comebacks
10. Imran Khan – Pakistan
- Retired: 1987
- Comeback: 1988, at the request of the then-government
- Outcome: Led Pakistan to win their maiden World Cup in 1992 as captain.
9. Javed Miandad – Pakistan
- Retired: 1993 (after over a decade-long career)
- Comeback: Returned in 1996, played 6 ODIs including the 1996 World Cup
- Legacy Moment: Though nearing 39, he provided much-needed stability and mentoring during Pakistan’s World Cup campaign his sixth, a then-world record
8. Carl Hooper – West Indies
- Retired: 1999, citing disillusionment with cricket
- Comeback: In 2001, returned and was immediately named captain, played Test and ODI cricket until 2003
- Why it stood out: Under his captaincy, West Indies saw glimpses of revival; Hooper’s elegant batting and leadership left a calming influence on a volatile side
7. Kevin Pietersen – England
- Retired: Early 2011 (from limited-overs formats)
- Comeback: Returned later in 2011 to play ODIs and T20Is, including the 2011 World Cup
- Final Exit: Dropped from the England team in 2014 and never returned to international cricket
- Why it counts: His brief retirement and quick return showed his crucial role in England’s white-ball plans during a transition phase
6. Shahid Afridi – Pakistan
- Retired: Multiple times (2010, 2011, 2016)
- Comback: Made a comeback in T20 internationals and remained active in various T20 leagues.
- Why it stands out: Often retired and returned became known for his unpredictability
5. Brendan Taylor – Zimbabwe
- Retired: 2015 (left to sign a Kolpak deal with Nottinghamshire)
- He made his return in 2017 and represented Zimbabwe across all formats Tests, ODIs, and T20Is until 2021.
- Although the ICC imposed a three‑and‑a‑half year ban on him in January 2022 for delaying his report of a corrupt approach, Taylor played a vital role in stabilizing Zimbabwe’s middle order during that rebuilding period. His suspension is set to expire on 25 July 2025, and he is now eyeing a return to the national squad once eligible again
4. Mohammad Amir – Pakistan
- Retired: 2020 (from all international formats due to conflict with management)
- Comeback: Returned in March 2024, played T20Is in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2024
- Why it mattered: His pace and experience added depth to Pakistan’s attack; despite being a controversial figure, his comeback was welcomed as a tactical boost
3. Moeen Ali – England
- Retired: 2021 from Test cricket
- Comeback: Rejoined England Test squad for Ashes 2023 after Jack Leach injury
- Significance: Showed versatility and commitment in big-match scenarios
2. Tamim Iqbal – Bangladesh
- Retired: July 2023
- Comeback: Just 1 day later, after intervention from Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
- Why it shocked fans: The fastest comeback in history
- Impact: Proved how deeply the nation and leadership valued his role
1. Imad Wasim – Pakistan
- Retired: Late 2023 (from international cricket)
- Comeback: Came out of retirement in early 2024, featured in multiple T20Is and was part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad
- Impact: Delivered economical spells and added balance with the bat returning as the reliable T20 utility man Pakistan needed
Final Take
These stories show that retirement isn’t always final in cricket. Some players walk away, only to find themselves back in action either due to personal drive or national duty. Their returns have added exciting twists to their careers and left a lasting legacy on the game.
Written by: RITESH SINGH
