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World Cancer Day: 5 Cricketers Who Battled Cancer & Fought Their Toughest Innings



Yuvraj Singh beat cancer and returned to international cricket [Source: @Incognito_qfs,@SMUDGE4549/x.com]Yuvraj Singh beat cancer and returned to international cricket [Source: @Incognito_qfs,@SMUDGE4549/x.com]

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Cancer is a battle that requires immense courage, strength and determination. Over the years, several cricketers have faced this life-threatening disease, but their fighting spirit both on and off the field has inspired millions.

On World Cancer Day, we take a look look at five cricketers who fought cancer head-on and emerged stronger.

5. Martin Crowe

Martin Crowe had survived cancer before eventually succumbing to it in 2016 [Source: @ICC/x.com]Martin Crowe had survived cancer before eventually succumbing to it in 2016 [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Martin Crowe was known for his elegance with the bat but his biggest fight came off the field. In 2012, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, just a year after making headlines for expressing his wish to return to First-Class cricket.

Crowe fought bravely and even returned to public life after treatment as he survived cancer. However, in 2014, the cancer resurfaced and despite his efforts, he tragically passed away in 2016.

4. Graeme Pollock

Graeme Pollock had colorectal cancer [Source: @ICC/x.com]Graeme Pollock had colorectal cancer [Source: @ICC/x.com]

South African batting great, Graeme Pollock, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2013. While he won the battle against the disease, the financial burden took a heavy toll on him. By 2014, Pollock was on the verge of bankruptcy, struggling to pay his mortgages.

He sought help from cricket boards but received no assistance. Eventually, he organised a benefit dinner, attended by some of cricket’s biggest names like Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, and Mike Procter, which helped him stay afloat.

3. Geoffrey Boycott 

Geoffrey Boycott had throat cancer [Source: @vicwhittamITV/x.com]Geoffrey Boycott had throat cancer [Source: @vicwhittamITV/x.com]

Known for his gritty batting and unshakable defence, Geoffrey Boycott took his biggest guard when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2003. The news came during India’s tour of England, forcing Boycott to step away from commentary duties.

He underwent 35 gruelling radiotherapy sessions but the Yorkshireman showed the same fight he had on the field. Just a year later, he returned to the commentary box, proving that nothing could keep him down.

2. Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke had skin cancer [Source: @Vipintiwari952/x.com]Michael Clarke had skin cancer [Source: @Vipintiwari952/x.com]

Michael Clarke, one of Australia’s greatest captains, had a cancer scare in 2006 when doctors discovered three cancerous skin spots on his face.  Clarke immediately underwent multiple surgeries to remove the cancerous spots from his face and chest.

Since then, he has been a strong advocate for skin cancer awareness in Australia. Furthermore, in 2019, Clarke underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his forehead

1. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh had cancer during 2011 World Cup [Source: @ICC/x.com]Yuvraj Singh had cancer during 2011 World Cup [Source: @ICC/x.com]

No cricketer’s battle with cancer is as famous and inspiring as Yuvraj Singh’s. The 2011 World Cup hero played through severe health struggles, smashing 362 runs and taking 15 wickets to win the Player of the Tournament award.

Soon after the World Cup win, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumour in his lung. He underwent intense chemotherapy in the USA, fighting months of pain and mental struggles. But like the warrior he is, he made a heroic comeback in 2012 and went on to play more matches for India. His journey remains one of cricket’s greatest comeback stories.