Top 3 cricketers who went from riches to rags

Today, cricket is considered one of the most lucrative sports due to the massive influx of money through various T20 leagues around the world. The game has brought fame, success and financial security to many.

However, life after retirement does not always turn out to be rosy for all. While the modern game has made many players millionaires, some former internationals have suffered significant financial struggles after their playing careers ended.

Here are the top three cricketers who had financial struggles after retiring from the game and went from riches to rags:

1. Vinod Kambli

The story of Vinod Kambli is one of the biggest what-ifs in international cricket. He announced his arrival in style, scoring two double hundreds, as many hundreds and one fifty in his first seven Test matches. However, his career was marred by inconsistency and indiscipline, as he soon descended into oblivion.

He played 17 Tests and 104 ODIs in his international career and announced his retirement in 2009. However, his fortunes changed dramatically after his playing days. In 2022, he revealed that his only source of income was a ₹30,000 monthly BCCI pension. He was admitted to a hospital in December 2024 after his health deteriorated, as several former cricketers came forward to help.

2. Chris Cairns

Chris Cairns was one of New Zealand's finest all-rounders, having represented the country in 62 Tests and 215 ODIs. He scored more than 8,000 international runs and took over 400 wickets during his illustrious career. He’s best known for scoring a match-winning century in the final of the ICC Knockout Cup 2000 against India to guide New Zealand to their maiden ICC title.

However, after his retirement, Cairns’ life brought a series of challenges. He faced financial difficulties and reportedly washed bus shelters and drove trucks to make ends meet.

3. Matthew Sinclair

Matthew Sinclair announced his retirement in 2013 after playing 33 Tests and 54 ODIs. He had a spectacular Test debut, scoring 214 against the West Indies in 1999. He slammed another double-century against Pakistan in March, 2001.

But by the time he retired, Sinclair had struggled to find meaningful employment and had applied for unemployment benefits. His first-class earnings, which were paid for only six months of the year, were not enough to support his family.