Top 10 Cricketers Who Turned Politician
Aug 1, 2020 at 12:18 PM
Cricketers are some of the most influential characters across the world as they inspire people with their hard work, passion, and determination to fight in order to achieve their success. This has made many youngsters look up to the players as their idols for inspiration. Here we look at some of the cricketers who have turned to politics after ending their glorious chapter in cricket.
Here we look at some of the cricketers who have turned to politics after ending their glorious chapter in cricket.
Top 10 Cricketers Who Turned Politician
10. Nawaz Sharif
Pakistan’s prime minister Nawaz Sharif has in fact played first-class cricket in Pakistan. However, he represented Railways in his only appearance against PIA back in 1973-74 and had scored a duck in that innings.
9. Frank Worrell
One of the finest all-rounders in cricket during the 1950s, Frank Worrell has represented West Indies in 51 tests and has turned into a politician post his retirement. The player has served as Jamaican senator during his time.
8. Wes Hall
Former West Indies bowler, Wes Hall has represented them in 48 tests during the period of 1958-1969. He has served in both the Barbados Senate and House of Assembly and appointed Minister of Tourism in 1987 and has also worked as the president of WICB from 2001 to 2003.
7. Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad who has represented India in 7 tests and 25 ODIs during the 1980s has been an active politician. He has followed his father Bhagwat Jha Azad and is now serving his third term as a member of parliament in Lok Sabha.
6. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Known for his contributions to Indian cricket on and off the field, Navjot Singh Sidhu had great success as a politician when he won BJP seat back in 2004 from Amritsar. The cricketer had been the Member of Parliament for 10 years as he represented in Lok Sabha. Now the cricketer is a member of Parliament in the upper house (Rajya Sabha).
5. Sanath Jayasuriya
One of the most devastating hosts in cricket history, Sanath Jayasuriya has been very active in politics even before his retirement. The player was elected from Matara district in February 2010 as he eventually retired from cricket in 2011. The player was appointed as the deputy minister of postal services under the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also worked as the deputy minister of Local Government and Rural Development until June 2015.
4. Mohammad Azharuddin
One of the most successful captains of India, Mohammad Azharuddin has joined politics in 2009 who was banned from cricket back in 2000 for match-fixing allegations. The Hyderabadi player had joined Congress and was elected to the Parliament from Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh on 19 February 2009.
3. Arjuna Ranatunga
The leader who has led Sri Lanka to the world cup glory in 1996, Arjuna Ranatunga has been impressive in Sri Lankan politics over the pay decade. The player had also served as the deputy minister for tourism and is currently the minister of ports and shipping.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
The greatest batsman of modern cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has served the country as a cricketer for nearly 24 years and had become the first active sports personality to ever step into Indian politics back in 2012. Sachin was nominated to Rajya Sabha for a 6-year tenure and the legend has made a tremendous contribution to the nation in politics as well till date.
1. Imran Khan
One of the greatest captains of Pakistan cricket, Imran Khan has been a very active politician in the country. After serving the country for 21 years in cricket and ultimately leading them to world cup glory in 1992, Imran Khan has founded a party named Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in 1996. He has made the party as a stronghold as he plays a vital role in Pakistan politics at present.