Retirements are an emotional moment for any cricketer as one has to bid adieu to the game that has given them everything. Every player carefully considers his decision for a long time to call time on his career. However, there have been a few players in the history of the game who’ve made a U-turn on their decision and come out of retirement to once again play for their country.
While some comeback decisions worked wonders for their respective teams, some didn’t work well and led to another forgettable chapter of their careers.
Let’s take a look at seven such cricketers who came back from retirement to trade their luck again in the game:
5. Ben Stokes
England all-rounder Ben Stokes is the latest addition to the list as he’s returned to the England squad ahead of the World Cup 2023. Notably, Stokes announced his retirement from ODIs in July 2022 to manage his workload. His decision didn’t go down well with his fans as they desperately wanted him to be a part of the England squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 to help them with their title defence.
The all-rounder earlier quashed all rumours of his possible return to the ODI team ahead of the World Cup and said that he will go on vacation after the end of Ashes 2023. But much to the delight of his fans, Stokes has returned to the England ODI setup for the upcoming four-match ODI series against New Zealand making his intentions clear for the World Cup.
4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
The top-order batter of Sri Lanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, after making his international debut in 2019, abruptly decided to hand in his papers on January 3, 2022, to Sri Lanka Cricket citing “familial obligations” being the primary reason for the same. However, just after a week post his decision, he decided to withdraw his decision, further stating that he wished to represent his nation in the game he loves with all his heart “for years to come”.
It was rumoured that the real reason for Rajapaksa’s resignation was prompted by the fresh set of tougher requirements related to fitness and fielding due to which he had already had a fallout with the then-head coach of Sri Lanka, Mickey Arthur.
It was Rajapaksa’s retirement from the game that fuelled a stricter batch of guidelines revolving around the players wanting to retire from international cricket as a whole.
3. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali, the ex-English all-rounder recently confirmed his retirement from international cricket. However, this is not the first time he has taken such a stance, particularly about Test cricket.
Ali had previously decided to cease his participation in Test cricket post-England hosting India in 2021, citing that he struggled to “get in the zone” and that he felt isolated concerning his touch in red-ball cricket.
After nearly two years of not playing a first-class game, the England and Wales Cricket Board, in particular Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, and Rob Key requested Ali to reconsider his stance and make himself for the Ashes in 2023. The main reason for the SOS call sent to Moeen was the untimely lower-back stress fracture to left-arm spinner, Jack Leach.
2. Imad Wasim
However, Imad was very clear in stating that he wasn’t expecting to sign a central contract with the team and would only be available till the end of the marquee event to be played in the Americas.
Although there was no official confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board for quite some time post Imad made his way back, it was almost expected that he would be considered for selection, given his performance in the Pakistan Super League 2024 where he maintained an economy rate of just 6.60 as well as his track record in the Caribbean Premier League over the years. He did ultimately go on to don the jersey at the global event.
1. Mohammad Amir
Ace pace bowler of Pakistan, Mohammad Amir, retired from international cricket in 2020, citing his being “mentally tortured” as one of the main factors behind his resignation from the game.
However, a day post Imad Wasim reversed his call on retirement to make himself available for the 20-over carnival, Amir followed suit. Amir claimed that after consulting with his family and well-wishers, he wanted to make his way back to serve the nation at the World Cup.
Although Amir didn’t perform to the standard at which Imad played in the ninth instalment of the tournament, Amir was a genuine alternative which the Pakistan Cricket Board were obliged to utilize due to Shaheen Afridi not being at full tilt post his return from a finger injury, Naseem Shah only just returning from a protracted layoff back then, as well as Harif Rauf being injured due to dislocating his shoulder courtesy an inopportune dive while completing a catch during a PSL encounter.