Not all cricketers get into the game the traditional way. For many, cricket is a passion they pursue while sustaining their life through other means.
Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas used to work as a welder and in a leather factory before he got a spot in the district Under-19 team. Those days are well and truly behind Abbas after his match-winning eight-wicket haul at the Lord’s Test against England.
Here we take a look at players who had other jobs before they became renowned cricketers.
Ticket collector (MS Dhoni)
The legendary India wicketkeeper batsman and former captain was a ticket collector with the Indian Railways in Kharagpur, eastern India. According to the Telegraph India, Dhoni’s job included “going from one platform to another to hand over “quota charts” to ticket examiners of long-distance trains that stopped at the main railway junction of Kharagpur”.
Pipe factory worker (Mohammad Irfan)
The Pakistan left-arm fast bowler initially had to give up cricket to work in a plastic pipe factory and support his family. However, help from Pakistan cricket supporters helped him resume his career. Thereafter, a recommendation from Wasim Akram saw Irfan fast-tracked into the national team.
Policeman (Shane Bond)
New Zealand’s former fast bowler Shane Bond revealed how the unforgiving job of a traffic cop helped improve his mental strength and ability to cope with stressful situations. “That job took me out of my comfort zone, placed me in stressful situations, helped my self-confidence and prepared me pretty well for international cricket,” Bond had said.
Army man (Sheldon Cottrell)
West Indies left-arm fast bowler Cottrell served as a private in the Jamaica Defence Force. Has incorporated that part of his life into his cricket as he celebrates his wickets by marching past the batsman and giving an army man’s salute.
Sailor (Fakhar Zaman)
Pakistan batsman Zaman joined the Pakistan Navy as a sailor in 2007 after receiving his schooling and training at Pakistan Navy School. During his time as a sailor, Zaman played inter-departmental cricket matches.
Zaman left the Navy in 2013 and was guided by star batsman Younis Khan in his cricketing journey which culminated in his match-winning century against India in the Champions Trophy final.
Undertaker (Hanson Carter)
Australian wicketkeeper Hanson Carter had one of the toughest jobs on the planet – that of an undertaker. According to ESPNCricinfo, The Sydney man was once tasked with organising the funeral of his team-mate Victor Trumper who died aged 37 in 1915.
Chicken farmer (Eddo Brandes)
One of the most famous chicken farmers in the world. The Zimbabwe fast bowler said since players during his time were amateurs, he needed a steady source of income and therefore got into the chicken business as his family was already into farming. Moved on to tomato farming. Famously took 4-21 to beat England in the 1992 World Cup.
