Public service has always been considered a job of the elite until we saw the emergence of democracy in different parts of the world. What that meant was that everyone stood a chance to serve the public, also the sportspeople. Following is the list of professional cricketers who turned to politics.
1. Imran Khan
From among the lot, Imran Khan is the most prominent of all the leaders. 2018 was not the first time Imran Khan was chosen to represent the country. He had won the men in green an ICC World Cup in 1992. In tests, Imran Khan has played 88 matches and holds the record of 362 wickets along with six centuries. An all-rounder, as he was on the field, Khan entered politics in the year 1996. He founded a party named Pakistan Tehreek - e - Insaaf.
2. Gautam Gambhir
A prolific left-handed batter. Gambhir has played a pivotal role in two of the most famous ICC tournament finals for India. Gambhir is recognized for his opinionated takes on several issues.After refusing the speculations of joining any political party, Gambhir stood for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP candidate won the East Delhi seat convincingly. Gautam Gambhir has represented India in a total of 58 tests and 147 One day Internationatinals.
3. Sanath Jayasurya
Besides cricket, Jayasuriya has represented his country in politics also. The 2010 Sri Lankan elections were the formal entry of Jayasuriya in politics. The former left-handed player represented the Matara district. He also went on to serve as a minister of the Union ministry of the country. Jayasuriya did not contest the elections in 2015. He had represented Sri Lanka in 445 One day Internationals and 110 test matches.
4. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Following a career in professional cricket spanning almost two decades, the ‘Sixer Sidhu’ turned to politics. Sidhu had a perfect start to his political career. In 2004, he won a seat from Punjab, courtesy of a ticket from Bharatiya Janata Party. Sidhu also went on to win a seat in the 2009 general elections. However, in his early days, he did fall prey to some serious allegations which challenged his position in the house. Currently, Sidhu is a member of the Indian National Congress and is a prime chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections.
5. Kirti Azad
Bihar-born Kirti Azad is one of the more prominent cricketers turned politicians. The World cup winner was no stranger to politics. A son of former Bihar Chief Minister Bhagwat Jha Azad, Kirti contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the BJP. After winning the first election he contested, Azad changed the party and formally entered Indian National Congress in 2019. Kirti Azad’s cricketing career was very brief. He made his debut in 1981 and played his last match in 1986.
6. Mashrafe Mortaza
Mashrafe Mortaza is one of the most celebrated athletes in Bangladesh. Mortaza is the fifth bowler captain to take more than 100 wickets in One-day internationals. Mortaza was an injury-prone cricketer and had to stay off action for a long time due to the same. In the 2018 General elections in Bangladesh, Mashrafe was nominated for MP by Awami League. The same year in December, Mortaza won a seat in the Parliament by a considerable margin. Mortaza has represented Bangladesh in 220 One Day Internationals and has a total of 270 wickets. He is widely recognized as one of Bangladesh’s best captains.
7. Amir Sohail
In an international career spanning over a decade, Amir Sohail played 156 One Day Internationals and became one of the most feared openers of the decade. Besides, Sohail has also served as a captain for a brief stint. Sohail was the first captain of the Pakistani team to lead the team to a victory in South Africa. After 12 years into retirement, Aamir Sohail turned to politics. In 2011 He joined former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party. Before entering formal politics, Sohail had served as the chief selector of the Pakistani team. Many cited the reason for his inclusion in the party was to counter the popularity of Imran Khan.
8. CB Fry
CB Fry was undoubtedly one of the most multifaceted cricketers to have ever played the game. Although he was involved in many other fields, Fry is better remembered as a cricketer. John Arlott said the following words for him, “ Charles Fry could be autocratic, angry and self-willed: he was also magnanimous, extravagant, generous, elegant, brilliant and fun.”. Politics had always been one of Fry’s many interests. Still, the first time it materialized was when his friend Ranjitsinghji represented India in the League of Nations, and Fry accompanied him as an assistant. In the British political machinery, Fry contested from the Brighton constituency. He won his first election as a Liberal candidate. Post his political career, CB Fry turned to write and wrote several books.
9. Alec Douglas Home
The former British Prime minister Alec Doughlas had played first-class cricket in England. He represented Oxford University Cricket Club, Middlesex county, and Marylebone Cricket Club. Douglas entered politics in early 1930. He came from a family with a history in politics. Alec Doughlas Home became the Prime Minister of Britain in 1963 and served in the office for one year.
10. Gil Langley
A specialist wicketkeeper-batsman, Gil Langley could not quite make as big a mark in cricket as he would have liked. Langley represented the Australian national team in 26 test matches and scored an average of 374 at 15 runs per match. However, Langley entered the South Australian Parliament after securing a seat from the labor party. In years to come, he was given many responsibilities. Langley later went on to become the speaker at the house of the assembly in 1977. Langley retired from politics in 1982.
