Within the high-pressure world of worldwide cricket, sustaining self-discipline on and off the sector is simply as necessary as performing properly. Over time, a number of gifted gamers have confronted bans as a result of violations comparable to corruption, doping, or ball-tampering. Whereas these incidents affected
their careers, some cricketers confirmed exceptional resilience and made profitable comebacks after serving their punishments. Right here’s a better have a look at 5 such gamers:
1. Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)
Motive for Ban: In January 2022, former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor was handed a ban by the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching anti-corruption guidelines. He admitted that he delayed reporting a corrupt method made to him by an Indian businessman in 2019. Throughout that assembly, he additionally consumed cocaine, which later led to a optimistic drug check.
Ban Period: Taylor was handed a three-and-a-half-year suspension from all types of cricket.
Comeback: Brendan Taylor’s ban formally concluded on July 25, 2025, and he has been included in Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Check in opposition to New Zealand, scheduled to begin on August 7, 2025, in Bulawayo.
2. Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)
Motive for Ban: Mohammad Amir was simply 18 years previous when he grew to become concerned within the notorious 2010 spot-fixing scandal throughout a Check match in opposition to England at Lord’s. Alongside teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, Amir was discovered responsible of intentionally bowling no-balls in alternate for cash from unlawful bookmakers.
Ban Period: The ICC banned him for 5 years, and he additionally served three months in jail in the UK.
Comeback: Amir returned to worldwide cricket in 2016. He rapidly regained his place within the crew and performed a vital position in Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy victory. His efficiency within the ultimate in opposition to India, the place he dismissed three key top-order batsmen, was extensively praised.
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Motive for Ban: In 2019, Shakib Al Hasan, one among Bangladesh’s most celebrated all-rounders, was banned for failing to report a number of corrupt approaches from a bookie. Though he didn’t settle for any cash or repair matches, his failure to tell the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit was a severe breach.
Ban Period: Two-year ban from all cricket, with one 12 months of the sentence suspended, for failing to report approaches from bookmakers.
Comeback: He returned to worldwide cricket in October 2020 and resumed his position as a key participant for Bangladesh. Whether or not with bat or ball, Shakib has continued to ship match-winning performances and has additionally taken up management duties once more for the nationwide aspect.
4. Steve Smith (Australia)
Motive for Ban: In March 2018, Steve Smith, then captain of Australia, was concerned within the ball-tampering scandal throughout a Check match in opposition to South Africa in Cape City. It was revealed that crew members had tried to make use of sandpaper to tamper with the ball, and Smith admitted he knew in regards to the plan.
Ban Period: Smith was banned from all worldwide and home cricket for 12 months and banned from holding a management position for 2 years.
Comeback: Smith made his return in 2019 and instantly made an influence within the Ashes sequence in England, scoring 774 runs in simply 4 Assessments. Since then, he has been a key determine in Australia’s batting lineup and has even returned to management roles, serving as vice-captain and occasional stand-in captain.
5. David Warner (Australia)
Motive for Ban: David Warner was additionally a central determine within the 2018 ball-tampering incident. He was discovered to be the principle instigator of the plan and was extensively criticised for his actions and affect over youthful gamers.
Ban Period: Warner was handed a 12-month suspension and a lifetime ban from holding management roles in Australian cricket.
Comeback: Warner made his comeback with Smith in 2019 and impressed with a robust efficiency. He was named Participant of the Event within the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, the place Australia received the title for the primary time. Regardless of his management ban, Warner continues to be one among Australia’s most explosive and skilled batters throughout all codecs.
Conclusion
These 5 cricketers confronted troublesome durations of their careers as a result of disciplinary breaches. But, every of them managed to return with dedication, proving that errors could be overcome with the correct mindset and onerous work. Their previous errors act as classes for others, however their return to cricket additionally provides hope and motivation to younger gamers in every single place.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
