Cricketers who turned politicians post retirement
Former Pakistan World Cup winning captain, Imran Khan, had a successful career. He is still regarded as one of the legends of the game. Now the fast bowling ace is likely to become the nation's next Prime Minister. Imran is leading his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) to a possible victory. Here we look at cricketers who turned politicians post retirement.
Sanath Jayasuriya- Sri Lanka
The legendary master blaster ruled the cricket pitch with his lusty blows. Sanath Jayasuriya was elected as the Member of Parliament in 2010. Interestingly, at that time, he was still playing for the national team. He represented Matara district and then served as Deputy Union Minister of Postal Services. Later on, he also became Deputy Union Minister of Local Government & Rural Development.
Mohammad Azharuddin- India
Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin's life is full of controversies on and off the pitch. He represented India in 99 Tests and 334 ODIs. The match-fixing scandal ended his career in an unceremonious fashion. In 2009, he joined the Indian National Congress Party and went on to become the Member of Parliament from Moradabad constituency. He is also eager to contest elections in 2019.
Arjuna Ranatunga- Sri Lanka
The former Lankan World Cup winning skipper played 93 Tests and 269 ODIs and was a celebrated personality. The southpaw enjoyed a career that spanned around 18 years. Post his retirement, Arjuna Ranatunga decided to try his luck in politics and became a Member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. He represented the Gampaha constituency. Ranatunga was also Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Tourism.
Other notable names in the list
Besides these legendary cricketers several other former cricketers tried their hands in politics. Pakistani fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Hashan Tillakaratne, Indian all-rounder Kirti Azad, West Indies pacer Sir Wes Hall are some other notable names in the list.
