5 Cricketers who entered politics after retirement

Cricket has always held a unique place in the hearts of the people. Generations have been inspired by our cricket players, and their appeal frequently goes beyond the confines of the game. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a large number of former cricket players have entered politics, using their fame and goodwill to further their national cause. Here is a list of five such cricketers.

1. Imran Khan

In the world of cricket, Imran Khan is a legend. He led Pakistan to triumph in their first and only ODI World Cup in 1992. He participated in 175 ODIs and 88 Test matches and was a top all-around player due to his quick bowling and outstanding leadership.

After retiring in 1992, Khan established the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1996. He became the first cricket player to assume such a high political position when he was appointed Prime Minister of Pakistan in August 2018 and remained in that role until April 2022. In 2022, he was removed from office by a vote of no-confidence. Khan's political career was filled with highs and lows.

2. Arjuna Ranatunga

One of the most well-known Sri Lankan cricketers, Arjuna Ranatunga, led Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 World Cup. He played 269 ODIs and 93 Test matches. After making his debut in international cricket on February 14, 1982, against England in Colombo, Ranatunga went on to have a career that lasted almost 18 years. At the same stadium, he played his final game in 2001 against South Africa.

The southpaw joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to try his hand at politics after retiring. Following the 2004 UPFA victory, Arjuna was named Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment Promotion. He ran in the 2001 parliamentary elections from the Colombo district.

3. Mohammad Azharuddin

Known for his elegant wristy strokes on the field, Mohammad Azharuddin was a former captain of the Indian cricket team. Azharuddin entered politics following a bitter lifetime ban resulting from match-fixing accusations that were eventually overturned by the court.

After joining the Indian National Congress (INC), he ran in the 2009 general elections and was elected to the Uttar Pradesh seat of Moradabad. The man who was previously renowned for leading India to multiple cricketing victories began a new chapter in his life when he entered politics.

4. Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya transformed the limited-overs cricket format while playing 445 ODIs and 110 Test matches for Sri Lanka. His bold batting strategy was a major factor in their 1996 World Cup success. In 2010, Jayasuriya joined the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to enter politics while still in high popularity following his cricket career.

From 2010 to 2015, he was the Member of Parliament for the Matara District. where he was briefly named Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development. During his solid political tenure, Jayasuriya worked on several local infrastructure projects, but his cricketing fame overshadowed his influence. He kept a modest profile and refrained from becoming embroiled in major disputes.

5. Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian international cricket player who currently coaches the Indian cricket team in all forms, comes in at number five in our list of the top five cricketers who have become politicians. From 2003 to 2016, Gambhir was a stalwart for the Indian cricket team. In 2018, he formally announced his retirement. 

A year later, in 2019, Gambhir joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and defeated Atishi Marlena of the Aam Aadmi Party by a lopsided margin in the Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi.

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