5 Cricketers who retired early and took unusual jobs

Cricket is a passionate and well-known sport, but not all players retire in the same way. Some cricket players quit the game early and pursue unexpected, highly unrelated occupations. These odd occupations include fighting sports, entertainment, and even spiritual duties.

For those who dare to pursue their true calling outside of cricket, their experiences demonstrate how varied and unpredictable life after cricket can be.

Here are the 5 Cricketers who retired early and took unusual jobs:

1. Chris Lewis- Crime

Known for his quick bowling and practical batting, Chris Lewis was considered a promising all-round player for England. Throughout the 1990s, he played cricket, but his development was hampered by off-field problems and inconsistent play. When he eventually became involved in drug smuggling, his life took a terrible turn that resulted in a prison sentence and a public fall from grace.

Lewis made some bad choices and struggled to find direction after retiring early. The cricket community was astonished by his involvement in the importation of liquid cocaine. This odd and regrettable career decision serves as a reminder of life beyond sports and the value of assistance for players leaving the professional cricket ranks.

2. Tatenda Taibu- Church Minister

Tatenda Taibu, a gifted batsman and wicketkeeper, was Zimbabwe's youngest Test captain ever. He had a promising future in cricket, but he chose to resign early to devote himself to his faith. Taibu decided to work as a full-time church preacher and missionary in Africa because he felt a strong spiritual calling.

Rather than being influenced by cricketing pressures, his decision was motivated by personal values. Taibu gave up his reputation and rivalry to focus on assisting communities and promoting religious ideas. His life serves as an example of how some retired athletes put their spirituality before their career.

3. Salil Ankola- Actor

After making his Test debut alongside Sachin Tendulkar in 1989, Salil Ankola played as a fast bowler for India, but his form and injuries prevented him from establishing a lengthy international career. He followed a career in acting after retiring early, making appearances in Bollywood movies and a number of well-known Indian TV series.

He was able to experiment with an entirely new creative expression when he switched to acting. Ankola made this decision because he wanted to stay in the spotlight and because he was interested in the performing arts. His transformation demonstrates how players may effectively rebrand themselves by entering the entertainment industry after their athletic careers conclude.

4. Henry Olonga- Singer

Zimbabwean fast bowler Henry Olonga was renowned for his audacious demeanor and ferocious velocity. Political unrest and demonstrations against the Zimbabwean government in 2003 caused him to retire early. He pursued his love of music after leaving his homeland and studied as an opera singer.

Olonga's unusual professional shift was a reflection of his desire to discover a new identity and voice outside of cricket. He now gives concerts all around the world, inspiring and connecting with people via music while demonstrating how sportsmen can find happiness in completely different pursuits.

5. Adam Hollioake- MMA fighter

Adam Hollioake was the captain of England's limited-overs team and a dynamic all-rounder. Despite having a prosperous cricket career, he retired at an early age and began practicing mixed martial arts (MMA). His competitive spirit and physical prowess enabled him to accomplish this unconventional change.  

Hollioake's career in mixed martial arts (MMA) was an unexpected yet logical progression of his athletic ambitions. He demonstrated that life after cricket can still be active and exciting in novel ways by volunteering for charities and using his public presence to generate money.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!