Sportsmen often choose unconventional business lines during their prime or even after retirement. Investing in businesses allows sportsmen to diversify their sources of income, with their primary income often coming from their sports careers. Investing in businesses provides an additional stream of revenue and helps spread financial risk, which is crucial for long-term financial stability beyond their sporting careers.
Successful sportsmen have a significant personal brand and a large fan base, allowing them to leverage their fame, credibility, and fan following to promote and endorse products or services. The top bookmakers in India have all types of cricket odds with them.
For sportsmen, especially those with relatively short careers, investing in businesses offers a way to secure their financial future. By making wise investments and generating additional income, they can build wealth that can sustain them and their families beyond their playing days.
In this article, we have compiled a list of five cricketers who are successful businessmen as well.
Virat Kohli
While Virat Kohli is primarily known for his exceptional cricketing abilities, he has also ventured into business and achieved notable success in various entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2014, Kohli launched his athleisure brand called “Wrogn” in collaboration with Universal Sportsbiz Pvt. Ltd. (USPL). Wrogn offers a wide range of trendy and casual clothing for men.
Kohli has also partnered with Puma to create the brand “One8,” under which he has launched a range of products, including clothing, footwear, and accessories. Additionally, Kohli is a co-founder of Stepathlon, a company focused on promoting health and wellness through virtual corporate wellness programs.
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, one of the deadliest partnerships in international cricket, have continued their partnership post-retirement as well. The Sri Lankan duo owns the popular restaurant “Ministry of Crab” located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The restaurant specializes in serving high-quality crab dishes and has gained international recognition. Jayawardene has also invested in real estate ventures, including property development and hospitality projects in Sri Lanka.
Sachin Tendulkar
The “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar, who mastered cricket with his bat, became a successful businessman after his retirement. Tendulkar's notable business venture involves his involvement in sports-related enterprises.
He co-owns the Indian Super League (ISL) football team Kerala Blasters FC, which has a substantial fan following in India. Additionally, he has invested in various start-ups and businesses.
Tendulkar is an investor and mentor for Smartron, an Indian technology company. He has also invested in companies like Musafir.com, a travel portal, and Smaaash Entertainment, a sports and entertainment venture.
MS Dhoni
The legendary skipper of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni, known for his smartness and intelligence on the field, is now making headlines with his post-retirement business acumen.
Dhoni established his own sports and fitness brand called Seven by MS Dhoni, offering a wide range of products, including sportswear, footwear, and accessories. In addition to his business ventures in the sports and fitness industry, Dhoni has invested in other sectors as well.
He has stakes in the Indian gaming platform Dream11 and is also associated with Run Adam, a sports tech start-up.
Yuvraj Singh
The poster boy of Indian cricket, Yuvraj Singh, is also a successful businessman and keeps himself busy with ongoing ventures. Singh has been associated with several business ventures, particularly in the sports and fitness industry. In 2016, he launched his sports-based lifestyle brand called YWC (YouWeCan), offering a range of products, including clothing, accessories, and sports equipment. Yuvraj has also invested in various start-ups and companies.
He has been associated with healthcare platforms like Healthians and JetSetGo, a private jet charter company.
