Top 10 Cricketers who have suffered Personal Loss while Playing (Updated 2025)

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest moments in life, but some cricketers have shown incredible courage by continuing to play even after such heartbreaking news. In this article, we look at the cricketers who have suffered personal loss and yet stood strong on the field.

List of Cricketers Who Faced Personal Tragedy

Over the years, several international players have gone through emotional pain while representing their country or club. These cricketers who faced personal tragedy became examples of determination, focus and mental toughness.

Which Cricketer Has played After Family Loss in 2025?

Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage became one of the players who played after tragedy during the Asia Cup 2025. His father passed away while the tournament was going on. Even in this very sad situation, Dunith Wellalage showed courage and focus and played for his team. He is now counted among the players who played after tragedy.

1. Virat Kohli (India) | 2006

In 2006, young Virat Kohli was playing a Ranji match for Delhi. He lost his father during that time, but still came to bat the next day and scored 90 runs. This made him one of the first names when people talk about players who played after tragedy.

2. Sachin Tendulkar (India) | 1999

During the 1999 World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar lost his father, Ramesh Tendulkar. He went back to India for the funeral, but then again came back to England. In the next match against Kenya, he scored 140 not out and dedicated it to his father. This is one of the most famous examples of cricketers who played after a family loss.

3. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) | 2018

Rashid Khan was playing in the Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers when he got news of his father’s death in 2018. Still, he stayed with the team and played the next match. He is also one of the cricketers who have suffered personal Loss and still performed.

4. Mohammad Siraj (India) | 2020

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj was in Australia when his father died in 2020. Because of the COVID rules, he cannot go back. He stayed with the team and made his Test debut in the same series. This shows how some players who played after tragedy convert pain into performance.

5. Fatima Sana (Pakistan) | 2023

Pakistan women's cricketer Fatima Sana lost a close family member just before the T20I series in 2023. Still, she decided to stay with the team and played. This also shows that cricketers who have suffered personal loss are not only men but also women players.

6. Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka) | 2025

In the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage got news of his father’s death just after match vs Afghanistan. His father died during match because of a heart attack. Dunith went home after match. This is one of the newest example of cricketers who have suffered personal loss.

7. Ben Stokes (England) | 2019

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was playing while his father was very sick in 2019. Later, his father, Gerard Stokes, passed away in 2020. One of the best all-rounders in the world, Ben Stokes, spoke many times about how difficult it was. He is also on the list of players who played after tragedy.

8. Rishabh Pant (India) | 2017

It was in 2017 that Rishabh Pant lost his father, Rajendra Pant, because of a cardiac arrest. Only two days later, one of the best wicket-keepers in India, Pant, scored an emotional half-century for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). This made everyone see his mental strength at a very young age.

9. Naseem Shah (Pakistan) | 2019

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah lost his mother just before his Test debut in Australia in 2019. He still played the match. This shows strong mental courage for a 16-year-old.

10. Krunal Pandya (India) | 2021

Krunal Pandya lost his father, Himanshu Pandya, in early 2021 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. A few weeks later, he made his ODI debut for India and scored a quick fifty, which he dedicated to his father. This innings became a very emotional moment and also a good example of cricketers who have suffered personal loss.