A few prominent Indian cricketers have shown support for the Indian National Congress party, either directly or indirectly. These cricketers joined Congress for various reasons, from personal beliefs to alignments with party ideologies, and have often contributed to political discourse on sports and social issues through their roles.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin, a former Indian cricket captain, transitioned to politics by joining the Congress party in 2009. He contested the parliamentary elections that year and won the seat representing Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh. His entry into politics followed a successful cricket career, where he was known for his elegant batting and on-field leadership. As a Congress representative, Azharuddin focused on various development issues, especially those impacting his constituency, and has continued to be involved in public service while occasionally engaging in cricket-related events. His political journey reflects his ongoing public influence beyond the cricket field.
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former cricketer turned politician, started his political journey with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he served for over a decade. However, after internal conflicts and differences, Sidhu joined the Indian National Congress in 2017. He became a key figure in Punjab’s Congress politics, known for his outspoken nature and frequent criticism of opposition parties. Sidhu’s shift was notable, as he played a significant role in Congress’s efforts in Punjab, including in the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections. His political career has been marked by bold speeches and a focus on regional issues affecting Punjab.
Kirti Azad
Kirti Azad, a former Indian cricketer, initially entered politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as a Member of Parliament and was known for his vocal stance on several issues, including corruption in cricket administration. However, following disputes within the party, he left the BJP and joined the Indian National Congress in 2019. Since then, Azad has been active in promoting Congress’s initiatives and has continued to engage with the cricket community and Indian politics, balancing his experience in both fields. His transition underscores his evolving political journey and commitment to public service.