Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER a three-year absence from the cricket scene, former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is set to shake off the shackles of International Cricket Council sanctions by relaunching his playing career at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Taylor’s three-and-half-year ban from all forms of cricket will end this coming Monday. He was slapped with the sanctions in January 2022 for breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping Codes.
However, the 39-year-old has not hidden the desire to come back to the cricket pitch where he hopes to possibly see off a few years of international cricket, in a U-turn to his retirement plans announced in September 2021. Reports have also suggested that he may return to the Chevrons as soon as this month when Zimbabwe host New Zealand in two Tests. Taylor’s name nonetheless was not included in the squad announced this week.
His ban will officially end on July 28 (next Monday), two days before the first Test against the Black Caps.
The veteran wicket-keeper/batsman has since been embraced by Takashinga Cricket Club to prepare the ground for his return.
The top order batsman highlighted in a letter to the Highfield-based club his values that align with the club’s ethos as one of the reasons he wanted to join them.
“Throughout my cricketing journey, I have strived to uphold the values of discipline, teamwork, and dedication, qualities that I believe resonate strongly with Takashinga’s ethos.
“I am confident that being part of your club will not only allow me to further develop my abilities but also give me the opportunity to give back to the cricketing community that shaped me.
“I would be truly honoured if given the opportunity to represent Takashinga Cricket Club,” he said. “Having long admired the club’s rich legacy, commitment to excellence, and its nurturing of some of the country’s finest cricket talent, I am eager to contribute my skills and passion for the game in such an esteemed environment,” Taylor added. Takashinga Cricket Club chairperson Blessing Ngondo said Taylor was welcome to be part of their cricket family.
