Cricketers who came out of retirement to play for their country again

Imran Khan, Ben Stokes and Shahid Afridi. (Photo Source: Instagram)

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. On that note, let’s take a look at five such players who’ve made a surprise return to international cricket after their retirement.

1. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes Press Conference. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)

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 defense.

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 for a 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.

2. Imran Khan

Imran Khan. (Photo by Patrick Eagar/Popperfoto/Getty Images)

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan is touted as the greatest player to have ever graced the cricket field from the nation. The legendary all-rounder called time on his career in 1987. However, he came out of his retirement in 1988 following a request from Pakistan’s then President, Zia Ul Haq at the age of 36. Khan made a comeback for the ages as he etched his name in the history books by leading Pakistan to their first and only ODI World Cup victory to date in 1992. 

Pakistan’s historic victory also helped Khan to build Pakistan’s first cancer hospital ‘Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital’ named after his mother Mrs. Shaukat Khanum who lost her life due to the fatal disease.

3. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi’s 109 vs Sri Lanka – 2010. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The former Pakistan captain has had come out of retirement multiple times in his career before calling it a day in 2017. The legendary all rounder would easily hold the record for retiring most number of time in a sporting career, if such a record was ever made.

4. Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)

The star England batter announced his retirement in 2011 due to issues with his ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) but later returned to play all three formats for his country.

5. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The spin all rounder announced his retirement from Test cricket in September 2021. However, he made a return to the team after Jack Leach got injured ahead of Ashes 2023.