Cricket is a game of uncertainties; becoming a successful cricketer takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion. Many players have faced ups and downs in their careers, but only a few have made a remarkable comeback.
This article will discuss the 5 Top Cricket Player’s Comeback Stories which have inspired millions of fans worldwide. These players faced various challenges, including controversies and personal issues, but never gave up. Instead, they worked hard and made a remarkable comeback, again proving their worth on the cricket field.
From Imran Khan to Kevin Peterson and Shahid Afridi to Dwayne Bravo, these players have set an example for aspiring cricketers and proved that nothing is impossible if you have the determination and passion to succeed. Check out the list of 5 Top Cricket Player’s Comeback Stories.
Imran Khan
Arguably, the best player out of Pakistan played international cricket for 21 years. His story is the best among 5 top cricket player’s comeback stories. One of the top all-rounders of the world, Imran Khan had decided to call it a day after Pakistan’s defeat to Australia in the 1987 World Cup semi-final. He announced his retirement, only to be reinstated as captain by Zia-ul-Haq, then President of Pakistan. Of course, his comeback eventually became fruitful as, four years later, he led the Men in Green to their first and only ODI World Cup.
Grant Flower
Zimbabwe’s top opening batsman retired early in 2004, along with 13 other Zimbabwean players, to protest against the alleged racial bias in Heath Streak’s removal as captain.
After six years, he returned to international cricket at the urging of his former teammate Alistair Campbell. However, he didn’t succeed significantly during this comeback and chose to end his second stint quickly. He explained that he wanted to ensure only some young players’ progress by staying on the team.
Dwayne Bravo
After being away from cricket for an extended period, Dwayne Bravo announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in 2018. He ranks at 3 of our 5 top cricket players’ comeback stories.
However, a year later, he started hinting at a comeback on the cricket field, representing the West Indies internationally. In 2020, he played a few T20I matches for the country. Post the 2021 T20 World Cup, Bravo announced his retirement, saying farewell to an illustrious career for the all-rounder of 17 years.
Shahid Afridi
Regarding retirements, no one can beat our very own Lala. Shahid Afridi had a stunning career in all formats of cricket, but he is more famous for his number of retirements, which are as high as five. In 2006, 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2017 were the retirements, and in 2006, 2011, and 2016 came the comebacks.
Afridi announced his retirement from tests in 2006 but made a comeback upon the insistence of PCB Chairman Sharyar Khan. Ironically, he hardly played a test for the next three years. Finally, he was named in the playing XI in 2010 but took retirement after the match.
After a hard CWC 2011, Afridi was sacked as the captain of the National Cricket Team. He took that personally and announced his retirement from one-day Internationals as a sign of self-respect. Five months later, he withdrew due to a change in circumstances. He finally retired from ODIs after the 2015 World Cup in Australia.
Before the 2016 T20 World Cup, Shahid Afridi hinted that it could be his final appearance in T20 matches. In 2017, he confirmed his retirement from T20 cricket, marking the conclusion of a career spanning more than twenty years.
Kevin Peterson
The England superstar charmed everyone with his stylish strokeplay. He holds the record for being the fastest Englishman to 2000 runs. KP’s comeback in cricket after his retirement in 2012 ranks among our five top cricket player comeback stories.
His retirement is disputable. Some sources say he retired to focus on franchise leagues, and some sources claim he retired from white-ball cricket to focus on test cricket.
However, after a few months, he changed his mind and returned to the team for 8 ODIs and a T20I. His career abruptly ended due to controversy.
What do you think is the best among our 5 top cricket player’s comeback stories? Let us know in the comment section.
