Why was Zimbabwe's Brendan Taylor banned from international cricket?

Brendan Taylor had retired from all cricket in 2021.

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendon Taylor made an emotional return to international cricket after almost four years in the wilderness. He had announced his retirement from cricket in 2021 after he was banned by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit as he failed to report on an approach without delay.

Taylor, now 39, last played for Zimbabwe during the ODI series in Ireland in September 2021. The second test match against New Zealand began in Bulawayo on Thursday, marking the long-awaited return of the former Zimbabwe skipper.

On July 31, the second day of the first test, which was also held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, his ban came to an end. Taylor was therefore eligible to be chosen for the second and last test match, which will wrap up New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Why was Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor banned from international cricket?

During a 2019 trip to India, Taylor, who captained Zimbabwe from 2011 to 2015 and again briefly in 2021 before retiring, was approached by a group of businessmen.  

They provided him with cocaine during the meeting and then used a video of him using the drug to blackmail him into taking part in match-fixing. Taylor was suspended for failing to disclose the approach promptly, even though he never carried out any corrupt actions.

According to the ICC announcement, Taylor violated the ACU code on four different counts, including failing to disclose the approach and accepting gifts and money from the alleged corruptors, along with hospitality. The allegation said that one method of spot-fixing was created for Zimbabwe’s trips to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Taylor was dealing with severe personal problems at the time, such as an alcohol and cocaine addiction, which resulted in a failed drug test that the ICC documented. He started his recuperation at a 90-day rehabilitation center close to Harare prior to the official notification of the suspension.

After his rehabilitation period, Taylor began mentoring young cricket players and came close to accepting a full-time coaching position. Givemore Makoni, the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket, persuaded him to postpone those plans, asking Taylor to rejoin the national team as soon as he was eligible.

Taylor’s return is viewed as a significant boost as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia are scheduled to co-host the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Being the most successful wicket-keeper batter in the nation since Andy Flower, his leadership and expertise are anticipated to be crucial in helping the national team navigate its reconstruction.

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