Veteran batter Brendan Taylor has been added to Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, marking his return to international cricket following a three-and-a-half-year suspension imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their Anti-Corruption and Anti-Doping Codes.

Taylor was sanctioned in January 2022 after accepting USD 15,000 from Indian businessmen during a trip to Delhi in 2019. The money, framed as part of discussions to launch a private T20 league in Zimbabwe, came with promises of a further USD 20,000. The ICC later revealed that Taylor delayed reporting the approach and also failed a drug test for cocaine use upon returning home.

Cricbuzz had reported at the time that during the trip, Taylor was given a Samsung S10 phone, money for shopping among other “various things for his entertainment”.

A few days before the ICC had made its decision public, Taylor had taken to social media to share his side of the story, saying, “I may be many things but I am not a cheat.”

Now, after completing his suspension and undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme, Taylor has been reintegrated into Zimbabwe’s national setup. He began training with the squad ahead of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand.

ZC Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, welcomed the 39-year-old’s return.

“Brendan has endured an incredibly difficult chapter in his life and shown genuine remorse, coupled with a powerful determination to make things right – not just for himself but for the good of the game in Zimbabwe,” Makoni said. “He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, remained disciplined throughout his rehabilitation and has now rightfully earned his place back in the national setup. We’re happy to see him in a good space again. His experience, skill and passion for the game will bring immense value to the team.”

Reflecting on his long and difficult journey, Taylor expressed gratitude at being back with the team.

“I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude,” he said. “I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration.

“The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return. I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger. That’s only been possible through sobriety.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this journey on my own, just rebuilding the blocks, and I feel in a wonderful space.”

Taylor remains one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished cricketers, having scored 9,938 international runs across formats, the third-highest tally for the country, and holds the record for the most international centuries (17) by a Zimbabwean. In his 34-Test career so far, he has struck six centuries and 12 half-centuries, including scores of 92, 81 and 49 in his final three Test innings before the ban.