Cricket has seen many unique and interesting teams over the years. This article introduces the “Divorce XI,” a team of cricketers who faced tough personal challenges, including divorces, at some point in their lives. Despite these struggles, they showed great strength and continued to play brilliantly on the field.
1. Shikhar Dhawan (India)
Shikhar Dhawan parted ways with his wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, after nine years of marriage. Known for his exceptional cricketing skills, Dhawan earns the opener’s spot in this unique squad. Currently, he has retired from international cricket.
2. Mohammad Azharuddin (India)
Mohammad Azharuddin will be Dhawan’s opening partner in this squad. Although his marriage lasted much longer than Dhawan’s, he married Sangeeta Bijlani in 1996, and their relationship ended in 2010.
3. Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
Tillakaratne Dilshan was a key player in Sri Lanka’s successive ICC trophy triumphs since 2010. However, his personal life has been marked by misfortune, as his marriage to Nilanka Vithanage ended in divorce. Additionally, he has been involved in a legal case. Currently, the Lankan legend is associated with the Lanka Premier League.
4. Michael Clarke (Australia)
Although successful as Australia’s captain, Michael Clarke faced difficulties in his personal life and separated from Kylie Clarke after seven years of marriage. He is currently involved in the world of commentary.
5. Shoaib Malik (Pakistan)
Marriage and Shoaib Malik have become synonymous. The Pakistani All-rounder came into the limelight after marrying Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza. Her team released a statement on Sunday, January 21, confirming that the two had been separated for a few months and urged fans not to indulge in speculation. Shoaib has experienced two divorces so far and is currently living a married life with his third wife.
6. Khaled Masud Pilot (Bangladesh)
Khaled Masud Pilot is the only Bangladeshi in the XI, so he will be the team’s wicketkeeper. However, he probably won’t be too happy about being in such an XI.
7. Hardik Pandya (India)
The champion all-rounder of India announced his divorce in July this year after being married for over four years. Although Hardik and his ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic, have a son named Agastya, their divorce attracted media attention. Despite this, Hardik played in the 2024 World Cup and became a key member in helping India win the trophy.
8. Imran Khan (Pakistan)
Just like many cricket legends, Imran Khan has also faced unexpected challenges in his personal life. He got divorced from Jemima Goldsmith in 2004, and later from Reham Khan in 2015. However, he will be the captain of this fictional XI.
9. Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne’s life was marked by scandals, and his marriage ended for a similar reason. His wife, Simone Callahan, left him in 2005.
10. Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble parted ways with his first wife, Chetana, in 1999. Despite controversies in his personal life, no one questions Kumble’s cricketing legacy.
11. Javagal Srinath (India)
This XI would be incomplete without Javagal Srinath, one of India’s best pacers. He married Jayathsana in 1999, but after eight years, they parted ways.
12. Mohammed Shami (India)
Mohammed Shami can join Srinath as the pace pair in this XI. His conflict with Hasin Jahan is well-known in the cricket world. Even after their separation, Shami faced numerous troubles.
Impact Player
Ravi Shastri (India)
Legendary cricketer, popular commentator, and cricket analyst – Ravi Shastri’s fame in the cricketing world is boundless. However, despite all his fame, he carries a sadness. Despite being married for 22 years, he could not prevent his divorce from Ritu Singh.
