How does a player withdraw his retirement, and what is the process?

The recent return of South African cricket legend Quinton de Kock has surprised everyone. Quinton de Kock celebrated his return to international cricket with a century, breaking his retirement after two years to return to ODI cricket. Scoring an unbeaten 123 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, de Kock scored his 22nd ODI century. He surpassed compatriot Herschelle Gibbs, who had scored 21 centuries.

But, returning from retirement isn't easy. It's a major test of approval, fitness, and confidence. When players, once the crowd's roar and the field's dominant force, announce their retirement, it seems like the story is over. But sometimes, those same players return one day, as if they've left something unfinished. This is exactly what South African star batsman Quinton de Kock did. He grabbed everyone's attention with a century on his comeback in the second ODI against Pakistan in Faisalabad. But the bigger question is: can a player, once retired, play again? If so, what are the rules and procedures for this?

In fact, retirement in international sports is not a legal obligation; it is a personal decision. When a player announces their retirement, it means they intend to stop playing at that level for the time being. However, if they wish to return to play later, this is possible, but requires several formal steps. 

First, a player must officially notify their cricket board or franchise in writing that they intend to return from retirement. For example, if an Indian player wishes to return from retirement, they must inform the BCCI. Foreign players contact their respective boards, such as Cricket South Africa (CSA), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Next comes the phase of proving their fitness and form. The board or selection committee often recommends that players first perform in domestic cricket or a T20 league to demonstrate their physical and mental readiness. This phase is the most difficult part of a comeback, as it is not easy to prove themselves at the same level of competition after a long break from cricket.

Once a player demonstrates that his form has returned, discussions are held with the selection committee. The selectors determine whether the player fits the team's current needs and composition. If the selection committee approves, the player can return to the team. 

However, the biggest challenge in this process is competition. The entry of young players changes the balance of the team. This makes it difficult for older players to make a comeback. Furthermore, they face additional pressure to prove themselves. 

Players who returned after retirement

Dwayne Bravo

West Indies' Dwayne Bravo is considered one of the greatest T20 players. He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018. However, shortly thereafter, he expressed his desire to play in the 2020 T20 World Cup. The tournament was not held that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the T20 World Cup was held in 2021, Dwayne Bravo participated in it.

Imran Khan

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan, considered one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, has also returned from retirement. Imran had retired after the 1987 World Cup. However, at the request of former Pakistani President General Zia-ul-Haq, he returned to the Pakistan team in 1988. In 1992, Pakistan won the World Cup under his captaincy.

 Javagal Srinath

Legendary Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath also returned to international cricket after retirement. He retired in 2002. However, captain Sourav Ganguly wanted Srinath to play in the 2003 World Cup. At his request, Srinath participated in the 2003 World Cup. He took 16 wickets in the tournament, but India lost to Australia in the final.

Shahid Afridi

When it comes to comebacks from retirement, Shahid Afridi's name comes first. He returned from retirement not once but several times. After retiring in 2006, Afridi returned in 2010. He retired after the 2011 World Cup, but he also played in the 2015 World Cup. He finally retired in 2018.

 Carl Hooper

This former Caribbean cricketer shocked the world by announcing his retirement just before the 1999 World Cup. However, he returned in 2001. Carl Hooper captained the West Indies team in the 2003 World Cup. Hooper has 114 wickets and 5,762 runs in 102 Tests. In ODIs, he scored 5,761 runs and took 193 wickets.

Ben Stokes

England's star cricketer Ben Stokes retired from ODIs in 2022 but returned for the 2023 World Cup.

Players who scored centuries after their comeback

Carl Hooper: After his comeback, he scored several centuries in international cricket, including as captain of the West Indies team in the 2003 World Cup.

Ben Stokes: He played several significant innings after returning for the 2023 World Cup, but failed to score a century. However, he has scored a century since his return (this is unknown, although it is highly likely that he has scored a century since his return).