Alastair Cook returns to competitive cricket and will represent England's champions team at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in July 2025

Former England captain Alastair Cook is set to make a dramatic comeback to competitive cricket and will represent England champions team at the World Championship of Legends (WCL), which will be hosted at Edgbaston in July 2025.

Cook, who called it a day on the international game in 2018 as England's record Test run-scorer, will join forces with his old teammate and white-ball great Eoin Morgan, who will lead English champions in the competition.

Sir Alastair Cook expressed his thrill: "It's wonderful to be playing for my nation again. I'm looking forward very much to being back on the pitch with Eoin and the rest of the lads."

He said he was grateful for the chance and went on to say: "The World Championship of Legends gives me the opportunity to relive cricket at its very best once more. I'm looking forward to it!" Harshit Tomar, CEO and co-founder of the WCL, said: "Having a player of Sir Alastair Cook's stature take part in the World Championship of Legends will be a massive fillip for the tournament. His legend will certainly add to the competition and bring great value to the England Championship team."

Cook, who appeared in 161 Test matches and made 12,472 runs at 45.35, with 33 centuries, is still regarded as one of the most prestigious personalities in cricket. His return to cricket should bring fresh momentum to the World Cup, as he will face some of the sport's stars once again.

Praveen Sharma, proprietor of the English champions, welcomed Cook, stating: "This is more than a squad announcement this is history. With Morgan and Cook leading, the English champions are poised to leave their mark on the World Cup."

The World Championship of Legends continues to deliver on its promise of giving cricket fans around the world the chance to see their heroes on the field once again – rekindling rivalries, restoring team heritage and rekindling the magic of cricket.