In the high-pressure world of international cricket, maintaining discipline on and off the field is just as important as performing well. Over the years, several talented players have faced bans due to violations such as corruption, doping, or ball-tampering. While these incidents affected
their careers, some cricketers showed remarkable resilience and made successful comebacks after serving their punishments. Here’s a closer look at five such players:
1. Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)
Reason for Ban: In January 2022, former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor was handed a ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching anti-corruption rules. He admitted that he delayed reporting a corrupt approach made to him by an Indian businessman in 2019. During that meeting, he also consumed cocaine, which later led to a positive drug test.
Ban Duration: Taylor was handed a three-and-a-half-year suspension from all forms of cricket.
Comeback: Brendan Taylor’s ban officially concluded on July 25, 2025, and he has been included in Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled to start on August 7, 2025, in Bulawayo.
2. Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)
Reason for Ban: Mohammad Amir was just 18 years old when he became involved in the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal during a Test match against England at Lord’s. Alongside teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, Amir was found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls in exchange for money from illegal bookmakers.
Ban Duration: The ICC banned him for five years, and he also served three months in prison in the United Kingdom.
Comeback: Amir returned to international cricket in 2016. He quickly regained his place in the team and played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy victory. His performance in the final against India, where he dismissed three key top-order batsmen, was widely praised.
3. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Reason for Ban: In 2019, Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated all-rounders, was banned for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches from a bookie. Although he did not accept any money or fix matches, his failure to inform the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit was a serious breach.
Ban Duration: Two-year ban from all cricket, with one year of the sentence suspended, for failing to report approaches from bookmakers.
Comeback: He returned to international cricket in October 2020 and resumed his role as a key player for Bangladesh. Whether with bat or ball, Shakib has continued to deliver match-winning performances and has also taken up leadership duties again for the national side.
4. Steve Smith (Australia)
Reason for Ban: In March 2018, Steve Smith, then captain of Australia, was involved in the ball-tampering scandal during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. It was revealed that team members had attempted to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball, and Smith admitted he knew about the plan.
Ban Duration: Smith was banned from all international and domestic cricket for 12 months and banned from holding a leadership role for two years.
Comeback: Smith made his return in 2019 and immediately made an impact in the Ashes series in England, scoring 774 runs in just four Tests. Since then, he has been a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup and has even returned to leadership roles, serving as vice-captain and occasional stand-in captain.
5. David Warner (Australia)
Reason for Ban: David Warner was also a central figure in the 2018 ball-tampering incident. He was found to be the main instigator of the plan and was widely criticised for his actions and influence over younger players.
Ban Duration: Warner was handed a 12-month suspension and a lifetime ban from holding leadership roles in Australian cricket.
Comeback: Warner made his comeback with Smith in 2019 and impressed with a strong performance. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, where Australia won the title for the first time. Despite his leadership ban, Warner continues to be one of Australia’s most explosive and experienced batters across all formats.
Conclusion
These five cricketers faced difficult periods in their careers due to disciplinary breaches. Yet, each of them managed to return with determination, proving that mistakes can be overcome with the right mindset and hard work. Their past mistakes act as lessons for others, but their return to cricket also gives hope and motivation to young players everywhere.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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