Cricket, often regarded as a religion in India, has not only provided players with fame and success but also paved the way for lucrative business opportunities. In recent years, cricketers have shown their entrepreneurial skills by venturing into various industries and investments, ensuring a wealthy lifestyle even after retirement. In this blog, we will explore the business ventures of some renowned cricketers who have successfully diversified their interests and secured their financial future.
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When it comes to cricketing legends, Sachin Tendulkar's name reigns supreme. However, his entrepreneurial spirit is equally remarkable. Apart from being the owner of the company "100," Tendulkar has invested in diverse businesses. One notable venture is his ownership of 7.5 percent stake in Musafir, a prominent UAE-based tour and travel company.
Tendulkar also holds an 18% stake in Smaaash Entertainment and is a shareholder in a joint venture between Manipal Group and Future Group. His involvement extends further with a 28 percent stake in Universal Collectabilla, a company specializing in celebrity memorabilia. Moreover, Tendulkar was a co-owner of the Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, showcasing his interest in the sports industry.
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Virat Kohli, the current Indian cricket team captain and one of the most recognizable faces in the country, has not only conquered the cricketing world but also ventured into various business ventures. As a co-owner of the Indian Super League club FC Goa, Kohli's passion for sports transcends cricket. His most successful venture is his clothing line called "Wrogn," which has gained immense popularity among the youth.
Kohli's foray into the fitness industry is evident through his investment of INR 90 crores in Chisel Fitness, a chain of fitness centers. Additionally, he is reported to be a shareholder in the company "Sport Convo," showcasing his interest in the sports technology sector.
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Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as Dada, not only made a mark as a cricketer but also as a successful businessman. Despite facing initial setbacks, Ganguly's entrepreneurial spirit prevailed. He initially invested in Sourav's restaurant chain, The Food Pavilion, which unfortunately faced failure. Undeterred, Ganguly ventured into the digital startup space by investing in Flickstree. He also has a stake in the Indian Super League club ATK, highlighting his interest in the sports industry.
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Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian captain, has transitioned from the cricket field to the business world with finesse. Apart from co-owning the ISL club Chennaiyin FC with Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, Dhoni owns SEVEN, a lifestyle brand. He is also a co-owner of the Rhiti Group and has invested in SportsFit World PVT LTD and Khatabook. Additionally, Dhoni's ownership of an organic farm demonstrates his inclination towards sustainable and eco-friendly ventures.
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Anil Kumble, known for his exceptional spin bowling, has displayed his entrepreneurial prowess beyond the cricketing realm. As the co-founder of TENVIC, a sports training and consulting firm, Kumble contributes to the development of aspiring athletes. He has also launched Spin Stars, a talent search contest for young spin bowlers in Karnataka. Kumble's technological ventures include Spektacom, a company that uses chip-like stickers to measure the power of ball strikes, revolutionizing the game's analytics.
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Chris Gayle, famously known as the "Universal Boss," has extended his dominance beyond the cricket field. His business ventures include the ownership of the Triple Century 333 sports bar and a restaurant in Jamaica. Gayle's investment portfolio also includes being a global ambassador for the fashion brand Attitude.com and holding a stake in the Bengaluru-based startup FlippAR. With investments in IONA, a gaming entertainment company, and various technological ventures, Gayle has diversified his interests across multiple sectors.
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Mahela Jayawardene, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has ventured into the culinary industry. He co-owns the highly regarded Ministry of Crab restaurant in Colombo, Sri Lanka, along with Kumar Sangakkara. Furthermore, Jayawardene aims to expand his culinary empire by planning to open a restaurant chain in Mumbai, India. By providing training opportunities in Colombo, Jayawardene ensures quality culinary experiences for customers in India.
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Zaheer Khan, one of India's premier fast bowlers, has embraced entrepreneurship with his own ventures. His eponymous restaurant, Zaheer Khan's, started as a simple foot joint and later transformed into a sports bar-meets-restaurant-meets-lounge. Khan's ownership extends to Toss, a sports lounge in Pune, showcasing his interest in the hospitality industry. Additionally, he has invested in ProSport Fitness, a fitness venture offering physiotherapy sessions and fitness training in Mumbai.
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Virender Sehwag, known for his fearless batting style, continues to entertain fans through his witty social media remarks and commentary skills. Sehwag's entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding World of Viru Pvt. Ltd., a non-government company registered in Delhi. His joint venture with Stitched Textiles Pvt. Ltd. resulted in the launch of an affordable sportswear and sports equipment line named "VS."
Sehwag has also contributed to education by opening the Sehwag International School in Jhajjar, Haryana, which focuses on holistic development through sports and extracurricular activities. Moreover, he has endorsed major brands such as Adidas, Reebok, Hero Honda, Boost, and Samsung Mobiles.
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Gary Kirsten, a highly successful international cricketer and the World Cup-winning Indian coach, has not only made his mark in the cricketing world but also as a shrewd investor. Partnering with Paddy Upton, he launched "Performance Zone," aimed at enhancing players' fitness and on-field performance. Kirsten's contributions to cricket go beyond investments; he founded the Gary Kirsten Foundation, focusing on creating a sporting ecosystem and providing quality coaching.
Additionally, his renowned cricket academy, Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, serves as a platform for aspiring cricketers, supported by partnerships with brands like Adidas, Oakley, GM, and Coca-Cola Beverages. Kirsten's entrepreneurial ventures extend further with his successful travel company, "Gary Kirsten Tours & Travels," in South Africa, catering to the needs of cricket enthusiasts.
Also Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently opened up a new business venture, a restaurant in Amsterdam. Raina, who has a passion for food and cooking, wants to bring the authentic flavours of India to Europe through his newly opened Raina Indian Restaurant.
The world of cricket is not limited to the boundaries of the field. Cricketers with their astute business acumen have diversified into various sectors, ensuring a wealthy lifestyle even after their retirement. From Sachin Tendulkar's multiple investments to Virat Kohli's flourishing clothing line, from Sourav Ganguly's resilience in the face of setbacks to MS Dhoni's organic farm, these cricketers have showcased their entrepreneurial skills and ventured into diverse industries.
Additionally, Anil Kumble's technological innovations, Chris Gayle's global ambassadorship, Mahela Jayawardene's culinary endeavors, Zaheer Khan's sports lounges, Virender Sehwag's educational initiatives, and Gary Kirsten's investments and coaching contributions have further solidified their positions as successful cricketers turned entrepreneurs. These cricketers have exemplified the potential for wealth creation and secured their financial future by wisely investing their hard-earned money in business ventures beyond the cricketing arena.
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