Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BRENDAN TAYLOR exudes an aura of calm and composure, and has a revitalised focus.
He has now become calmer, speaks more frankly and honestly, and appears sharply focused on his future goals.
But then, freedom tends to have that effect on a person. Just five months remain.
In July, the former and once-disgraced Zimbabwe international will be able to play cricket again, with his three-and-a-half-year ban finally over.
In 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a ban on Taylor after finding him guilty of violating anti-corruption regulations.
His woes started back in October 2019 following an invitation by an Indian businessman to discuss “sponsorships and the potential launch of a T20 competition in Zimbabwe”.
Taylor was told he would be paid US$15 000 for the journey.
He said he was a “little wary”, but undertook the trip all the same.
During drinks one night, he was offered cocaine, which the businessman and his colleagues were taking.
He said he “foolishly took the bait”.
The next morning, the same men entered his room, this time to show him a video of him taking cocaine.
They told him that if he did not spot fix at international matches for them, the video would be released to the public.
Feeling cornered, Taylor took the money and flew back home.
It took him four months to report the offence to the ICC, hence the punishment.
Taylor admitted to having been hooked on drugs and alcohol at the time, which eventually turned into an addiction.
But that was then.
Taylor just turned 39, putting him just a year away from his 40th birthday.
Fortunately for him, the key question about his professional future has already been settled: he wants another crack at international cricket.
The former skipper has set his sights on being in the mix at the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Whether that is feasible or not is a question only time can answer.
What is important now is the journey that he has taken to get to this point in his life.
It was a journey characterised by a lot of soul-searching, self-introspection, rehabilitation and more importantly, making amends with the past.
The time away from the sport has given Taylor an appreciation of what matters in his life and that of his family.
“I am just loving being at home, being the best dad and husband possible. I have just been very present to my kids and my wife, watching them, supporting them, nurturing and witnessing their passion for cricket come out.
“It has brought me huge amounts of joy,” said Taylor.
Now, the former national team captain has since owned up to his past mistakes.
He is ready to turn the page.
As part of the process to get here, Taylor reached out to “Get High On Life Recovery Retreat”, a non-clinical recovery centre dedicated to guiding those in need through a 12-step programme.
“There was nothing difficult about rehabilitation or staying away from active cricket, and this was largely due to the sheer desperation that I was in to get better.
“I now see life through the lens of sobriety and emotional sobriety, and I have been doing so for three years,” he said.
Getting into the rehabilitation centre, he said, was the most important and best decision he has ever made.
“I found it a truly mind-blowing experience, one that has certainly carried me through and put me on the right trajectory. I now have all the necessary tools to maintain this sobriety,” he said.
With 34 Tests, 205 One-Day Internationals and 45 T20s under his cap for the national team, Taylor believes he owes Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) a lot.
“I appreciate the backing I have received from ZC, and I want to give back. I want to make amends through them, through being of service to the national team and being of service to the younger players,” he said.
“Obviously, that will be through performances.”
Taylor said he was looking forward to working closely with ZC.
He is also grateful for their backing.
“I’m told some fans also want me back. I certainly have kept tabs on the Chevrons and very diligently as well.
“Zimbabwe Cricket has been very dear to me since I was 18. Not just that, through representative cricket under 14s, 16s and 19s,” he said.
He credits the sport for his success over 25 years.
“It’s been a part of my life for 25-plus years and I would not be where I am today without them. They have paved the way for a passion of mine as well,” said the former national team captain.
In his absence, Taylor believes strides have been made in the development of cricket in the country.
He notes Zimbabwe cricket is in its strongest and healthiest state ever due to the influx of young talent and returning players.
“I started in 2004 and I don’t think Zimbabwe cricket has ever been in a better position than it is right now.
“We have always lost players, and now, I think Zimbabwe cricket is in the strongest place it has ever been and healthiest place it has ever been because of the youth who are coming through.
“There are one or two guys who came back from the UK. It is very exciting,” he said.
He is optimistic about the future, with the new coaching staff nurturing these players and maintaining a good blend of youth and experience.
“Hopefully, the new coaching staff and the technical staff are doing everything they can, which I know they are, to enhance these young players.
“There’s still a blend between experience and youth, and that’s vital,” said Taylor.
