Retirement from cricket often leads players to exciting new ventures. Many former cricketers have successfully transitioned into diverse careers, ranging from acting and music to politics and business.
This article highlights ten cricketers who embraced alternate paths after their playing days, showcasing their adaptability and talent in various fields, proving that life after cricket can be just as rewarding.
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10. Salil Ankola: From Cricket to Bollywood
Salil Ankola, a promising Indian fast bowler, debuted alongside Sachin Tendulkar but played only one Test and 20 ODIs. After retiring, Ankola transitioned into acting, making his Bollywood debut in 2000 and appearing in several television shows.
9. Chris Harris: Selling Orthopaedic Devices
Chris Harris, a “bits and pieces” player for New Zealand, scored over 4000 runs and took 203 wickets in 250 ODIs. Post-retirement, he found success selling orthopedic devices like pedicle screws, artificial knees, and hips to surgeons and hospitals.
8. Nathan Astle: From Cricket to Auto Racing
Nathan Astle, a key member of the New Zealand side in the late 90s and early 2000s, played 81 Tests and 223 ODIs. After retiring, he pursued his childhood interest in auto racing and finished third in the South Island SprintCar Championship in 2010.
7. Henry Olonga: Singing Sensation
Henry Olonga, the Zimbabwean cricketer who protested against his country’s government, played 30 Tests and 50 ODIs. Following an early retirement in 2003, he released an album called Aurelia in 2006 and impressed judges on an Australian reality show with his singing talent.
6. Bryan Strang: Yoga Preacher
Another Zimbabwean cricketer, Bryan Strang, was known for his accurate line and lengths in the late 90s. After retiring in 2002 due to political unrest, he turned to yoga to overcome depression. Strang now preaches yoga in Zimbabwe and around the world.
5. Brett Schultz: Insurance Director
South African fast bowler Brett Schultz, who took 37 wickets in 9 Tests, was injured. After retiring, he tried various businesses before becoming the insurance director of Econorisk.
4. Navjot Singh Sidhu: Commentator and Politician
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a nemesis to opposition bowlers, especially spinners, transitioned into commentary and politics after retirement. He is known for his witty one-liners and has served as a Member of the Indian Parliament.
3. Curtly Ambrose: Music Producer
Curtly Ambrose, the towering West Indian fast bowler, took 405 wickets in 98 Tests. After retiring, he pursued his passion for music and became a successful music producer.
2. Imran Khan: Prime Minister of Pakistan
Imran Khan, the legendary Pakistani all-rounder, led his team to a World Cup victory in 1992. After retiring, he entered politics and became the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2018.
1. Andrew Flintoff: TV Personality
Andrew Flintoff, the charismatic English all-rounder, played 79 Tests and 141 ODIs. He has become a successful TV personality post-retirement, appearing in shows like “A League of Their Own” and “Freddie Flintoff: Saving the World”.
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