Cricketers today enjoy immense wealth from leagues like the IPL and endorsements, exemplified by stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. However, some former players faced financial struggles due to poor decisions. Here is a list of cricketers who turned from rich to poor:
Janardhan Navle
The gentleman in question is Janardan Navle, India’s first-ever Test wicketkeeper, who represented the nation in its debut Test match against England at Lord’s in 1932. Despite the honor of being part of India’s cricketing history, his later years were marked by hardship. Some reports suggest he lived his final days as a beggar on the Bombay-Pune Highway, while others claim he worked as a watchman at a sugar mill in Pune. His tragic story reflects the challenges faced by early cricketers, highlighting how a pioneer of Indian cricket ended his life in poverty.
Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns was once hailed as one of New Zealand’s greatest all-rounders after Sir Richard Hadlee was known for his explosive batting and clever bowling. His muscular physique and curly hair made him a heartthrob, and he played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy victory with a century in the final. After his cricket career, Cairns worked in Dubai as a diamond merchant and won a legal battle against Lalit Modi in 2012. However, his fortunes changed in 2013 when match-fixing allegations resurfaced, leading to financial strain. He later cleaned bus shelters in New Zealand to make ends meet.
Matthew Sinclair
Matthew Sinclair, known for his debut double century for New Zealand, faced financial struggles after retiring in 2013. Without formal education, he struggled to find work, affecting his personal life. Now a real estate agent in Napier, his journey highlights the importance of planning for life beyond professional sports.
Adam Hollioake
Adam Hollioake, an Australia-born England cricketer, was a respected all-rounder and briefly captained the England ODI team. After financial struggles during the 2008 recession led to bankruptcy, he transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Hollioake’s resilience and mental toughness exemplify his ability to adapt and rebuild his life.
Arshad Khan
Arshad Khan, a tall off-spin bowler from Pakistan, debuted in the 1997-98 series against the West Indies, playing nine Tests and 58 ODIs until 2006. Notably, he took 4 wickets for 33 runs against India in 2005. Now residing in Sydney, Australia, he drives an Uber, highlighting the financial struggles many retired cricketers face, particularly from countries like Pakistan. Despite representing his nation, Khan finds himself working hard to make ends meet in a foreign land.
Vinod Kambli
Vinod Kambli, once heralded as the next Sachin Tendulkar began his international cricket career with great promise. However, his trajectory declined sharply, leading to his removal from the Indian team and eventual obscurity. Recent videos revealing his health struggles have reignited discussions about the financial challenges faced by retired cricketers. Currently, Kambli relies on a monthly pension from the BCCI of around Rs 30,000. Living in Mumbai, where costs are high, he grapples with a stark transition from stardom to financial hardship, highlighting the often-overlooked difficulties of former sports icons.
Anshuman Gaekwad
Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer and head coach, played 15 ODIs and 40 Tests for India, including being part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team. Despite his contributions to cricket, Gaekwad faced severe financial difficulties later in life, struggling to pay for blood cancer treatment in London. His former teammates, Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil, appealed to the BCCI for assistance, leading to the board providing Rs one crore for his medical expenses. Tragically, Gaekwad passed away on July 31, 2024, highlighting the harsh realities many former athletes face despite their past glories.
