Ten Indian cricketers who turned into politicians

Cricketer Manoj Tiwary joined the Trinamool Congress, ahead of the assembly polls in West Bengal. Tiwary joined the TMC during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rally in Hooghly district. Sportstars joining politics after retirement is a common sight around the world. Among cricketers, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, former national captain, is perhaps the most known figure in the cricket world who turned into a politician. Aamir Sohail, Sarfraz Nawaz, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mashrafe Mortaza, Chetan Chauhan, Hashan Tillakaratne are some other popular names from the cicket fraternity to join politics.

Declaring that he was “influenced” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketer Gautam Gambhir joined the BJP in March, 2019. The former opening batsman played a key role in India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. (File)

Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu became the Minister of Local Government, Tourism & Cultural Affairs of the State of Punjab. (File)

Former India skipper Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was among the first cricketers to join politics. The nawab contested two Lok Sabha polls and tasted defeat. Following two Lok Sabha defeats, Pataudi decided to stay away.

Regarded as one of the best fielders in Indian cricket, Mohammad Kaif joined Congress and contested 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh. He has played 125 ODIs and 13 Tests between 2000 and 2006.

Former India captain batsman Mohammad Azharuddin began his political innings in 2009 when he joined Congress. Azhar won the general elections in 2009 from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh to become an MP. Azharuddin led the Indian team in 47 Tests during the 1990s. (Source: Express Archive)

The former all-rounder Kirti Azad won from Darbhanga in Bihar on a BJP seat thrice. He later joined Congress. Kirti Azad was a part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad.

Sunil Gavaskar’s opening Test partner Chetan Chauhan has twice been a Member of Parliament from Amroha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Former India Test batsman Vinod Kambli joined Lok Bharati Party but lost the Vidhan Sabha elections in 2009 from Vikhkroli, Mumbai. He was the fastest Indian to complete 1000 Test runs. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

Manoj Prabhakar joined BJP after retirement from cricket. He has featured in 39 Tests and 130 ODIs in which he amassed more than 3,400 runs and scalped 253 wickets. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)