Cricket is widely referred to as a ‘gentleman’s game’ and is a sport that is played and enjoyed by people all across the world. It has regularly seen its fair share of high-profile relationships and equally acclaimed spats and fallouts.
The busy lives of cricketers are a matter of constant scrutiny and under spotlight. Whenever he personal life of a player goes through a rough patch, the interest and attention go multi-fold. Divorces can be challenging for any person, including celebrities, and many cricketing couples have also gone through these tumultuous times.
The innovative concept of a ‘Divorce XI’ cricket team has become a trending topic, ever since the separation rumours of Yuzvendra Chahal’s divorce started surfacing. This imaginary and public-made cricket team comprises of players who have gone through legal separation in their personal lives.
From opening batsmen to all-rounders and bowlers, several big names like Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya and Shane Warne are included in this team. Let us find out who are the probable XI who are a part of this team.
Divorce XI Squad:
Shikhar Dhawan, Graeme Smith, Mohd. Azharuddin, Shoaib Malik, Michael Clarke, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Imran Khan (C), Mohammed Shami, Brett Lee, Yuzvendra Chahal
11. Yuzvendra Chahal – The latest entrant to the playing XI team is the recently single and divorced Chahal, who got separated from his wife Dhanashree after 18 months of separation. The spinner is a commendable bowler and due to his marital discord has been added to this list now.
10. Brett Lee – The next in the group is the legendary bowler and cricketer Brett Lee, who got divorced from his first wife Liz Kemp in 2008 after two years of marriage. The fast and flashy cricketer turned actor has known to be an exponent of high-speed bowling.
9. Mohammed Shami – The star bowler of Indian cricket, had hogged enough limelight when his ex-wife Hasin Jahan accused and put out allegations of domestic violence. Their legal spat was widely reported and though Shami’s terrific performances have been the saving grace, this shocking charge was an eye-opener.
8. Imran Khan – One of the finest from the neighboring land, the flamboyant and enormously talented medium pacer was instrumental in taking cricket to another level of popularity in his country. His divorce from Reham Khan in 2015 makes him an addition to this all-time eleven.
7. Hardik Pandya – Known for his all-round abilities, Pandya’s dynamic performances and leadership in make him an ideal fit in this time, given his personal situation since the divorce from Natasa.
6. Dinesh Karthik – DK is the wicketkeeper in this group, who has been added after his divorce from ex-wife Nikita Vijay in 2012. Dinesh found love again and married squash player Dipika Pallikal in 2015.
5. Michael Clarke – Clarke and Kyly got divorced in February 2020 after many years of marriage. The Australian batsman was a man of great talent and big ambitions. Having him in the squad is a strong addition.
4. Shoaib Malik – The batting all-rounder from Pakistan got divorced from tennis legend Sania Mirza in 2024 after over thirteen years of marriage.
3. Mohd. Azharuddin – The former Indian cricket captain has been divorced twice – from Noureen in 1996 and actress Sangeeta Bijlani in 2010. The batsman’s personal life has garnered significant media attention and has been as dynamic as his cricketing career.
2. Graeme Smith – The meaty and mighty maverick, Graeme Smith has had an arching success as South Africa’s captain until his retirement. The batsman is a perfect fir ever since he went through a divorce from Morgan in 2015.
1. Shikhar Dhawan – One of India’s favourites and the opener of Divorce XI team, Shikhar Dhawan’s divorce with his wife Aesha Mukerji had grabbed ample headlines. Despite his personal issues, Dhawan had performed consistently in domestic and international cricket until his official retirement.
While the idea of creating a ‘Divorce XI’ cricket team is to entertain fans on a comical note, the concept also highlights the personal battles of these retired and active cricketers, who face heavy pressure until retirement.
Despite their on and off challenges, cricketing stars discover ways to excel in their career and maintain their demeanor, going on to prove that cricket is much more than just a game — it’s a sport undercoated with grit, resilience and unpredictability.
