It’s truly said that “Hospitality is simply an opportunity to show love and care” and investing in business ventures was a wise move by these players. With their talents on the field, cricketers have won the hearts of their countrymen. Some have turned to hospitality as a way to cash in on their popularity.
It is his 22 yards that determine his success as a cricketer. The game captivates many people, and they can't imagine life without it. The majority of cricketers tend to spend their retirement years with their families and looking after their businesses.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
There is no doubt that the master blaster ranks high whenever it is considered about cricket or life after cricket. A billion people's sweet dreams were inspired by the owner of 100 international centuries. Mumbaikars have invested in many businesses, so it's not just that he owns this one firm. The UAE-based travel agency Musafir is 7.5% owned by Tendulkar. Sachin's first restaurant opened in Mumbai in 2002, and his second restaurant called Sachin's opened in Mumbai's northern suburb and also in Bangalore. Even though he was an icon in the field, he had limited success.
2. Virat Kohli
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is not just a world-class player on the field, but also a world-class individual. Whenever he enters to field, his only goal is to win. The new restaurant of cricketer Virat Kohli is located in New Delhi's bustling gastronomic district, Rk Puram. In 2017, he opened his first restaurant, ‘Nueva’. With its sophisticated ambiance and delightful offerings, this restaurant has been voted one of the best in Las Vegas. The menu includes Peruvian Piscos, Ceviche De Camarones, Spicy Mole, and Mexico's La Caja De Pinturas. The space is owned and operated by renowned chef, writer, and travel photographer Michael Swamy. Later he came up with a new dining space in Gurugram Aero city called ‘One8 Commune’. As part of Virat's beloved brand, One8, One8 commune is a casual dining bar.
3. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, the former cricketer who ventured into the hospitality industry in the 1990s, offers an unparalleled culinary experience in a lavish atmosphere at his restaurant ‘Zaheer Khan's Dine Fine’. This restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the food is delectable, making it a great place for a date night or a fun family outing.
4. Kapil Dev
A cricket-themed restaurant that opened in 2008, ‘Kapil Dev's Elevens’ in Patna is perfect for cricket fans and anyone else seeking a cricket-themed dining experience. Cricket-themed decor elements adorn the walls of the restaurant, and the floor is carpeted with faux grass, allowing customers a true taste of the gentleman's game. The restaurant offers Indian, Pan-Asian, and Continental Cuisine.
5. Chris Gayle
‘The triple century 333’ restaurant and sports bar, owned by Chris ‘Master Storm’ Gayle in Kingston, Jamaica, is named after that round's 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010. Gayle opened the bar in 2013 and it's now a full-fledged sports bar and restaurant. The restaurant's menu features Caribbean dishes such as curried goat and chicken, jerk pork, and shrimp kababs.
6. Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara
‘Minister of crab’ is owned by Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara and it has outlets throughout Asia, including Shanghai, Manila, and Mumbai. It offers diners a true crab-eating experience. Along with an elegant atmosphere and luxurious decor, the restaurant also serves a mouth-watering menu.
7. Ravindra Jadeja
He opened his first restaurant ‘Jaddu's Food Field’ in Rajkot, in 2012, three years after he made his Indian debut. Gujarat is known for its amazing vegetarian dishes, and Jaddu's Food Field offers its guests a wide selection. As part of the anniversary celebration of the restaurant's owner, cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, the walls display cricket memorabilia, such as bats and jerseys. Inside, one can also see photos of the cricketer with his teammates. In addition to the delicious food, you will also find the atmosphere to be warm and convivial.
8. Gary Kirsten
‘Garry Kirsten Travel and Tours’ was launched by Gary Kirsten, an accomplished coach and travel expert. Additionally, he is the co-owner of a company called ‘performance zone, which aims to get the best out of individuals or companies. In addition to this company, he also operates a cricket academy called ‘the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy.
9. MS Dhoni
The calm and composed MS Dhoni is an admirable figure. His fitness freak-ness is also evident in his ownership of ‘sports fit’, one of India's leading fitness centers. Like Ganguly and Kohli, his club is the reigning ISL champion. His other businesses include ‘SEVEN’, a lifestyle brand, where he runs a footwear line, and ‘Rhiti Sports’, a marketing and management firm.
10. Sunil Gavaskar
It's fitting to end this list with the little master since we started with the master blaster. As a result of Gavaskar's talent and dedication to the game, many firsts have been accomplished, at least in Indian cricket. Record-setting is something he does not only on the field but off it as well. ‘Professional Management Group (PMG),’ India's first sports marketing company, was founded by him in 1985. BCCI, however, demanded that he decide between his corporate or commentary roles, due to conflict of interest. The chief executive officer of his company kept his position as an executive, but closed its player management department, allowing him to remain a commentator.
