List of International cricketers who committed suicide

Cricketers, like others, are not immune to the struggles that can lead to suicide, such as depression, personal or financial challenges, and even health concerns. Unfortunately, these tragedies are more commonly reported at the domestic level, where players often encounter significant pressures and obstacles while trying to build their careers.

Cricketers Who Died by Suicide

Referencing two important works on cricketers’ suicides-By His Own Hand by David Frith (1990) and Silence of the Heart: Cricket Suicides (2001) by the same author-it is documented that around 20 international cricketers tragically took their own lives. These suicides were linked to factors such as depression, financial difficulties, and prolonged illness.

England’s David Bairstow, father of current wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, tragically took his own life in 1998. His depression was reportedly linked to disputes with Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s administration.

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sunil Jayasinghe also died by suicide at the age of 40, after spending more than a decade without a cricket career. The Sri Lankan cricket board banned him from the sport for 25 years after he moved to South Africa during the apartheid era, seeking better pay than what he was receiving at home. Upon his return, he faced the lengthy ban, which contributed to his tragic fate

Here are cricketers who committed suicide after playing at the International level:

PlayerCountryMatchesBornYear of DeathCauseReason
William ScottonEngland15 Tests18561893Slit throat with a razorDepressed over losing place in team
Arthur ShrewsburyEngland23 Tests18561903Shot himselfBelieved he had an incurable disease
Vincent TancredSouth Africa1 Test18751904Shot himselfDepression
Albert TrottAustralia/England5 Tests18731914Shot himselfFinancial difficulties
Andrew StoddartEngland16 Tests18631915Shot himselfPoor health and debts
Billy ZulchSouth Africa16 Tests18861924Cut throatNervous breakdown
William BruceAustralia14 Tests18641925DrownedDepression
Aubrey FaulknerSouth Africa25 Tests18811930Gassed himselfDepression
Albert RelfEngland13 Tests18741937Shot himselfWife’s illness and depression
George ShepstoneSouth Africa2 Tests18761940Shot himselfSuffering from cancer
Fen CresswellNew Zealand3 Tests19151966Found dead with a gunSuffering from cancer
Jack IversonAustralia5 Tests19151973Shot himselfDepression
Sidney BarnesAustralia13 Tests19161973Overdose of barbiturates and bromideDepression
Harold GimblettEngland3 Tests19141978OverdosePsychological issues
Jim BurkeAustralia24 Tests19301979ShotgunPersonal and financial concerns
Noel HarfordNew Zealand8 Tests19301981UnknownFinancial difficulties
Joe PartridgeSouth Africa11 Tests19321988Shot himself in a police stationArrested over unpaid bills
Glen HallSouth Africa1 Test19381987Shot himselfStruggled after divorce
Sunil JayasingheSri Lanka2 ODIs19551995PoisonBanned from cricket for 25 years
David BairstowEngland4 Tests, 21 ODIs19511998Hanged himselfDepression

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