5 cricketers who went down the political path

#2 Sanath Jayasuriya

Often credited with changing how one-day cricket was played, Jayasuriya ended his career, as without a doubt one of the greatest cricketers of all time, entertaining with his trademark gigantic strokes over point played with arrogant nonchalance, providing a brilliant all-round balance to his side over the years contributing in Sri Lanka's major success and a delightful sight to see in the bunch of trump cards in your hands.

After an illustrious cricket career, he also went on to engrave his name in the political arena. Always known for his feisty personality and imposing temperament, like Ranatunga, Jayasuriya has enjoyed the support of public over the years.

He entered politics in February 2010 as a candidate for Matara District. His party is the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) of president Mahinda Rajapaksa, securing the most number of preferential votes from the Matara District by reeling in 74,352 votes. He was also appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador (by UNAIDS, Geneva) for his commitment to prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people in Sri Lanka.

In October 2013, he was appointed as deputy minister of Postal services in the UPFA government, currently, he is serving as chairman of Sri Lankan cricket selectors succeeding from his role as a deputy minister prior to that.