From Shoaib Akhtar to Imran Khan: 5 cricketers who chose different career path following retirement

Cricketers are known for their raw talent in the sport, owing to which they earn immense popularity, along with name and fame. However, not every cricketer wants to stick to it, even after their career is over, as many ventures a different career path.

Be it any cricketer, most earns his name and fame following his popularity in cricket, owing to his excellent talent and skills in the sport. However, not every cricketer is a die-hard fan of the sport.

While this might sound shocking, some cricketers tend to switch careers, even after a successful vocation with cricket, especially after retirement. Consequently, we take a look at five such cricketers, who ventured a different career path after hanging up their boots.

Shoaib Akhtar (YouTuber): The lanky Pakistani pacer, who was renowned for his fearsome pace, is a legend for Pakistan cricket. Following his retirement from the sport in 2011, he has decided to become a YouTuber, as he has his own YouTube channel, where he posts analysis videos on cricket. His thoughts are highly appreciated by the fans, especially in the sub-continent, as he has a follower-base of around three million and has been growing intense with each passing day.

Curtly Ambrose (Guitarist): The former Windies legendary pacer was no less than a freight train for the batsmen. He retired from the sport on a high. However, following his retirement, he has completely vanished from cricket. Meanwhile, he has begun pursuing a career in the field of music. He is a part of a band, called Big Bad Dread and the Bald Head, where he is the lead guitarist, as he has impressed many with his performances.

Brett Lee (Musician): The Australian pacer is a renowned name in cricket for his fierce bowling, as he used to be the fastest pacer in the sport at a point. However, following his retirement in 2015, he has ventured into a new career path. Even during his cricket days, Lee was famous for his singing qualities, as it is with what he decided to pursue a career, following his retirement. While he has sung quite some songs, he also happens to be a guitarist, like Ambrose, and entertains fans quite regularly.

Andrew Flintoff (Boxer): The former English all-rounder is another legendary cricketer, who has been a part of England's Ashes-winning side. After he retired from the sport in 2009, he has tried his hands at boxing, and it was in 2012 when he beat Richard Dawson in Manchester. Nonetheless, he did not pursue it full-time, as he has now become a fashion brand owner, besides participating in comedy shows.

Imran Khan (Politician): Another legendary Pakistan cricketer, the former captain led the side to their only World Cup win in 1992. Although he was a part of the spot in some manner following his initial retirement, it was since 1996 when he entered politics, as he was the founding member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. It was in 2018 when he became the Prime Minister of the country and has so far completed two years of his tenure.