Riches to rags: Top cricketers who turned poor after finding success

Dubai: Given cricket’s massive popularity and the glamorous lifestyles of many players, it’s hard to imagine any cricketer facing financial hardship. Yet, behind the glitz, several once-celebrated athletes have found themselves battling economic difficulties due to reasons ranging from poor financial management to unforeseen life events.

Here’s a look at cricketers who, despite earning well during their playing days, faced tough times off the field.

Janardhan Navle

A forgotten pioneer of Indian cricket, Janardhan Navle was India's first-ever Test wicketkeeper, taking the field at Lord’s in 1932 during India’s debut Test match. Though his career was brief, his place in history is permanent. Tragically, his post-cricket life was marred by poverty. Reports suggest that he spent his final days begging near the Bombay-Pune Highway, with some accounts noting he worked as a watchman in a Pune sugar mill. It’s a sobering reminder of how even national heroes can be forgotten.

Matthew Sinclair

Matthew Sinclair made an unforgettable entrance into Test cricket with a double century for New Zealand. But life off the pitch told a different story. Born in Australia, he moved to New Zealand at a young age after his father’s death. Despite his early cricketing success, retirement in 2013 left him struggling financially and personally. With incomplete education and limited opportunities, Sinclair now works as a real estate agent in Napier, striving to support his family. His story illustrates how fleeting sporting fame can be without long-term planning.

Chris Cairns

Once hailed as one of New Zealand’s greatest all-rounders, Chris Cairns enjoyed a stellar cricketing career marked by memorable performances—most notably his match-winning century in the 2000 ICC KnockOut final against India. Post-retirement, he ventured into business and even won a high-profile legal battle against Lalit Modi in 2012. However, allegations of match-fixing in 2013 changed everything. Legal expenses and public scrutiny took a toll, forcing Cairns to take up cleaning bus shelters in New Zealand for income. Despite his achievements, he now stands as a symbol of how fast fortunes can change.

Arshad Khan

Arshad Khan, the tall off-spinner from Pakistan, had a solid international run from 1997 to 2006, including standout performances against India. One of Arshad's most memorable performances was during the Asian Test Championship final in Dhaka, where he took 5-38 to help Pakistan secure a victory over Sri Lanka. He also played in the Indian Cricket League. After retiring, he relocated to Sydney, Australia. According to reports, he now works as an Uber driver — an honest but humbling shift from international cricket to daily hustle.

Adam Hollioake

Adam Hollioake, once an England ODI captain, experienced tremendous highs and crushing lows. After losing his brother Ben in a tragic car accident in 2002 and retiring from cricket in 2007, Hollioake returned to Australia to manage his family’s business. But the 2008 global financial crisis hit hard, leading to bankruptcy in 2011. To support his family, he turned to Mixed Martial Arts, where he found a new lease on life. Hollioake’s story is one of resilience, showing how strength can be found even after losing everything.

Vinod Kambli

Touted as the next big thing along side Sachin Tendulkar in the early '90s, Vinod Kambli’s cricketing journey began with great promise. However, inconsistent performances and off-field issues saw him fade from the spotlight. In recent years, public concern grew after videos surfaced showing him in poor health and financial distress. Today, Kambli relies on a modest monthly BCCI pension while living in Mumbai—barely enough to cover basic expenses in the costly metropolis.

Anshuman Gaekwad

A solid batsman and a former Indian head coach, Anshuman Gaekwad represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs. Despite being part of the cricketing elite, including the 1983 World Cup squad, he faced dire financial troubles when diagnosed with blood cancer. Unable to afford treatment in London, he received support only after fellow cricketers Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil appealed to the BCCI, which eventually sanctioned Rs100 million for his care. Sadly, Gaekwad passed away on July 31, 2024.