VETERAN cricketer Brendan Taylor is set to make his first T20 World Cup appearance in 12 years after being named in Zimbabwe’s 15-man squad for the 2026 edition of the tournament.
The legendary wicketkeeper-batter last featured for the Chevrons at a T20 World Cup during the 2014 edition in Bangladesh, marking a remarkable full circle in a storied career.
Taylor’s journey back to the global stage follows a three-and-a-half-year ICC ban for breaching anti-corruption and anti-doping codes, a suspension he completed last year.
Having decided to end his international career in 2016 to play county cricket for Nottinghamshire, Taylor missed the 2016 tournament and was ineligible for the 2022 edition while serving his ban.
Now, turning 40 the day before the tournament begins, he returns to provide vital experience to the top order.
Another veteran bouncing back at the global showpiece is Graeme Cremer, who will be playing in his first T20 World Cup since 2016.
The 39-year-old leg-spinner also came out of retirement last year after initially calling time on his international career in 2018.
His return, alongside Taylor, signals a clear strategy by the selectors to lean on seasoned heads for the tournament hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
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The squad is a carefully curated blend of experience and youth, with 39-year-old all-rounder Sikandar Raza named as captain.
Raza will lead a group that includes eight players who retained their places from the squad that competed in Australia four years ago: Raza himself, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Bradley Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava.
In terms of selection surprises, Wesley Madhevere is one of the most notable exclusions.
Despite showing early promise and featuring at the 2022 World Cup, he has been left out of the 15-man roster.
Meanwhile, fit-again fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani is the only addition to the side that recently competed in the triangular series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in November.
Zimbabwe has been drawn in Group B, where they will face a challenging path to the Super Eight stage against Australia, Ireland, Oman, and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
The tournament is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, with Zimbabwe opening their campaign against Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on February 9.
Zimbabwe squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
