16 Cricketers who turned the Political way

16 Cricketers who turned the Political way: We are all well aware that cricketers can sustain themselves on the 22 yards only till certain age. What about life after it? We have seen over the years that the cricketers don’t hesitate in exploring the other professions as well after their stint in cricket. Some pursue career in broadcasting which facilitate them to have connections with the game. Many discover their interest in entertainment field and turn to acting. But, there are handful cricketers as well who used their name and fame in a bid to empower people by getting into the political system of the country. Today, we present the list of 16 Cricketers who turned the Political way: 1. Imran Khan (Pakistan): Imran Khan. (Photo Source: PA Photos) This Lahore born lad knew how to make heroes out of players. One of the greatest all-rounders to have played the game, it was under Imran Khan’s inspirational leadership that Pakistan won the World Cup 1992. Khan is the founder as well as the Chairman of Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party. Also Read – 7 Bowlers with the weirdest bowling actions ever 2. Navjot Singh Sidhu (India): Navjot Singh Sidhu. (Photo Source: Rediff) Navjot Singh Sidhu was renowned as the Sixer Sidhu for his swashbuckling ability to dance down the track and hit big shots over the ropes. Navjot was a belligerent opener and accumulated 7,615 International runs in his 16 year long career. Apart from his witty one-liners as a commentator he won on Bharatiya Janata Party ticket from the Amritsar seat in the Indian general elections in 2004 and 2009. 3. Sir Frank Worrell (West Indies): (source) The first black captain of West Indian cricket, Worrell was the face of sheer class and elegance. He scored 3,860 runs in 51 Tests at an average of 49.48 with 9 centuries. Frank was the first player to donate blood to the injured Nari Contractor on India’s Tour of West Indies in 1961/62, which saved his life. He was an ardent supporter of closer political union between the nations of the Caribbean and was appointed to the Jamaica senate. 4. Hashan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka): (source) Hashan was one of the major forces behind the emergence of Sri Lanka in International arena. Hashan Tillakaratne had immense contributions in Sri Lanka’s maiden World Cup glory of 1996. He featured in 83 Tests and scored 4,545 runs at an average of 42. He also played in 200 ODI’s. He joined the United National Party, and was appointed as the party’s organiser for Avissawella constituency in Colombo as well. 5. Mohammad Azharuddin (India): Mohammad Azharuddin. (© Getty Images) The Hyderabadi magician is the only player in the world to have hit three consecutive centuries in first three Tests. His wiry wristy shots transformed him into one of the most pleasing sights on the 22 yards. He has 15,593 International runs to his credit. Azharuddin is a member of Indian National Congress party and won his first political election as a candidate from Moradabad constituency in 2009. 6. Ted Dexter (England): (source) Dexter is epitomized as one of the most exhilarating and aggressive middle-order English batsmen. He represented the English team in 62 Tests and aggregated 4,502 runs at an average of almost 48. In 1964, Ted contested a seat in the general election. Earlier in that year, he had given up English side’s captaincy for his political ambitions. 7. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (India): Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. (Photo Source: PA Photos) Fondly referred to as Tiger Pataudi, he is celebrated as the skipper who implanted the roots of victory in the minds of Indian players during his time. The courageous Pataudi had an impaired sight in his right eye but in spite of the disability what he did with one eye is hard for many to achieve even with two eyes. In 1991, he had contested on a Congress party ticket from Bhopal apart from contesting on Vishal Haryana Party ticket. 8. Aamer Sohail (Pakistan): (source) An apt back-foot player, Sohail was a brisk Pakistani opener who formed a colossal pair with Saeed Anwar in ODI cricket. Overall he has scored 7,693 runs in International cricket. In 2011, Aamer Sohail joined Pakistan Muslim League (N). It is notable that this is a party of Nawaz Sharif who is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan. 9. Manoj Prabhakar (India): (source) Manoj was a master of variations and his deceptive slower deliveries unruffled the batsmen on many occasions. He was also adept at in-swinging and out-swinging the cherry upfront. These features made him a regular fixture in the national side in 1990s. Manoj Prabhakar joined the Indian National Congress party and contested Parliamentary elections of 2004 from the Delhi seat. 10. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): Sanath Jayasuriya.(Photo Source : AFP) The former Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya was a demolishing southpaw. Sanath holds a gigantic total of 21,032 runs in International cricket while with the ball he has grabbed 440 scalps which are testimony of his all-round skills. But, more than anything else it was his impact on the game and match winning contributions which stands tall. He is a part of United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) political party of Sri Lanka. In 2010, he became an MP for his native Matara. Recently, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. 11. Vinod Kambli (India): Vinod Kambli. (Photo Source: ESPNcricinfo Ltd) Vinod Kambli is a man who once was considered even more talented than Sachin Tendulkar. And his little short Test career gave glimpses of that as well. In 17 Tests he amassed 1,084 runs at an average of 54.20 with 4 tons. But, his career was characterized by controversies than his performances. He joined the Lok Bharati Party and was appointed as vice-president of the party as well. In 2009, he contested Assembly elections from Vikhroli, Mumbai but lost. 12. C.B Fry (England): (source) The former English captain C.B Fry was famous for his crisp straight drive which was a gem of a sight to witness. Apart from cricket, he also played football and represented Southampton F.C. in the FA Cup Final. He tried his hand in parliament elections as a Liberal candidate for the Brighton constituency in 1922. He was also offered the vacant Albanian throne. 13. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka): Arjuna Ranatunga. (© Getty Images) The astute former Sri Lankan captain Ranatunga led his country to their maiden World Cup win in 1996. Politics was in his blood as his father also happened to be a government minister. Arjuna was a very governing figure on the field and leadership looked an inborn quality in him. Ranatunga has served as Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister for Tourism. 14. Kirti Azad (India): (source) The former Indian Cricketer Kirti Azad was an aggressive right-handed batsman. But his moment of glory came in the semi-final match against England in 1983 when he got rid of the dangerous Ian Botham. Politics is part of his genes as he is the son of former Chief-Minister of Bihar (a state in India) Bhagwat Jha Azad. He is a member of the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP). In 2014, he emerged victorious in Lok Sabha Elections from Darbhanga. 15. Mohammad Kaif (India): Mohammad Kaif. (Photo Source: Reuters) Kaif rose to the national ranks after his excellent performances in Under-19 World Cup. In the limited matches he played for India, he showcased his sound technique and willingness to fight out the tough periods of the play. He was also an exceptional fielder. In 2014, Kaif joined Indian National Congress party and contested Lok Sabha election from Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh. 16. Chetan Chauhan (India): (source) The love affair of Indian cricketers with politics has never been a secret. Chetan Chauhan partnered Sunil Gavaskar in as many as 10 century stands while opening the batting. Chetan is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and also has been member of the Lok Sabha from Amroha twice in 1991 and 1998. Also Read – 9 Indian dressing room incidents – the closed door secrets

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16 Cricketers who turned the Political way

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