Many cricketers had a decent career in the game, but they had to take a different track for some other reasons. Cricket was always their first choice, but situations did not favor them, which led them to choose a different path. This game always gives to those who show dedication, determination, and discipline, but some things are not just meant to happen. Those who love cricket will never want to leave, but when you don't have many options left, you have to make a sacrifice. Some cricketers also take another job after retirement to make use of their time. Here is the list of ten such cricketers who are pursuing a completely different career right now and why they left the game.
1. Andrew Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff was England's prime all-rounder and was known for his aggression. He channeled his aggression into his profession after retiring from cricket as he chose to become a professional boxer. He shredded a lot of weight to pursue boxing. Flintoff defeated Richard Dawson in a much-hyped bout in 2012. However, he gave up boxing after that and returned to cricket in 2014-15, where he played in the BBL. Flintoff is currently in the real estate business.
2. Salil Ankola
Salil Ankola was a part of India's 1996 World Cup campaign. He got his India cap in 1989 as a result of his consistent performance for Maharashtra. However, destiny had some other plans; Salil Ankola had to say Goodbye to the game because of a tumor in his shin bone. He is now popular on television and is embracing a career in Bollywood. He has been recently spotted in a TV Show 'Power Couple' hosted by Arbaaz Khan.
3. Joginder Sharma
We all know Joginder Sharma from the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, where he bowled the last over in the finals and helped India win the first-ever T20 World Cup. But Sharma’s career never flourished after that legendary match. He eventually got dropped out from the squad. Today he is appointed as a DSP in Haryana Police and is nobly serving the nation.
4. Arshad Khan
Pakistan's off-break bowler, Arshad Khan, has shown his potential on many occasions. However, the rise of Saqlain Mushtaq led to his dropping from the squad. He got dropped from the Pakistan team for participating in the rebel Indian cricket league, and that marked his end in international cricket. After being dropped, he moved to Sydney for a new beginning. He now works as a cab driver on the streets of Sydney.
5. Debashish Mohanty
The pace bowler from Odisha has been one of the highest wicket-taker for India. He was also one of the main assets in India's victory in the Sahara Cup against Pakistan. He is one of the few bowlers who have taken ten wickets in a match in domestic cricket. However, he lost his spot to Ajit Agarkar and now works in the National Aluminium Company Limited, Odisha.
6. Curtley Ambrose
The giant 6'7 fast bowler from Antigua, who was one of the members of the dreaded Caribbean pace quartet, has earned his name in the Hall of Fame of world cricket. However, after so many years of his retirement, he made the most exquisite career switch. Ambrose is now a musician who plays the bass in a band named The Baldhead.
7. S Sreesanth
Sreesanth was one of the most hyperactive players on the field. Most people thought that Sreesanth will be the next big thing for India, but bad conduct, performance degradation, and spot-fixing eventually took his career away. Today he is an upcoming star in Mollywood.
8. Imran Khan
One of the greatest all-rounders in cricket, Imran Khan, led Pakistan to their first and only world cup title in 1992. Imran served his country on the cricket field for twenty years and later joined politics after retirement. His moment came in 2018 when he got elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
9. Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu may not have a hit cricketing career, but his post-cricket career was a hit. From his one-liners in Hindi commentary to his laugh riot as a judge of comedy shows. Sidhu was always in demand after his retirement. He joined Politics in 2004, and currently, he is an active member of the Congress party. He is also the newly appointed Chief Minister of Punjab.
10. Deep Dasgupta
Deep Dasgupta played as a wicket-keeper for India for five one-day Internationals and eight test matches before Ajay Ratra replaced him in the Indian Cricket team. He found his place in the Bengal state team, where he was appointed as the captain after Saurav Ganguly resigned. However, Dasgupta left cricket and now works for CBRE Group Inc., an American real estate firm.
