From Pitch to Playlist: Cricketers Who Became Singers
Cricket isn’t just about bats and balls, and for some players, the game was only the beginning. When their cricketing journey ended, they found rhythm, melody, and stardom in music. From reggae beats in the Caribbean to Bollywood playback singing, from Punjabi pop to soulful blues, these cricketers swapped stadiums for stages. Here are some stars who turned their love for cricket into a love for music.
Shakti Singh – From Cricketer to Bollywood Playback Singer
Shakti Singh, once a domestic cricketer for Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, reinvented himself as a Bollywood playback singer. Collaborating with Jatin–Lalit, he lent his voice to films like Patiala House and Life Partner, proving retirement can mean reinvention. (Photo: Instagram/ShaktiSingh)
Omari Banks – From West Indies All-Rounder to Reggae Artist
Omari Banks, the West Indies all-rounder, made a smooth transition from cricket to reggae. His debut album Move On in 2013 proved his seriousness as a musician. With Hendrix-style guitar work, he has performed at Moonsplash and St. Kitts Music Festival, winning fans worldwide. (Photo: Instagram/OmariBanks)
Henry Olonga – From Zimbabwe Fast Bowler to The Voice Australia Star
Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga swapped fiery bowling for soulful singing. In 2019, he stunned audiences on The Voice Australia with his performance of This Is the Moment, showcasing his expressive, theatrical side far beyond the cricket field. (Photo: Instagram/HenryOlonga)
Harrdy Sandhu – From U-19 Cricketer to Punjabi Pop Sensation
Before fame as a pop icon, Harrdy Sandhu was a U-19 fast bowler whose cricket dreams ended due to injury. Music gave him a new path, with hits like Soch and Naah making him one of India’s most loved singers in Punjabi pop and Bollywood. (Photo: Instagram/HarrdySandhu)
Mark Butcher – From England Test Batsman to Blues Musician
Former England batsman Mark Butcher carried his timing into music, becoming a respected blues artist. His album Songs from the Sun House and heartfelt tribute You’re Never Gone for Ben Hollioake showcased his soulful, lyrical depth. (Photo: AFP)
AB de Villiers – From Mr. 360 to Music Collaborator
South Africa’s AB de Villiers, famous as “Mr. 360” in cricket, explored music too. He recorded an album with Ampie du Preez in 2010 and later released songs like The Flame, reflecting his creative, precise style beyond the cricket pitch. (Photo: Instagram/ABdeVilliers)
Brett Lee – From Aussie Pacer to Pop Singer with Asha Bhosle
Brett Lee’s love for music saw him record You’re the One for Me with Asha Bhosle and play in the cricketers’ band Six & Out. With his guitar and charisma, Lee has performed across India and beyond, blending sportsmanship with artistry. (Photo: Instagram/BrettLee)
