Cricket has transformed into a highly profitable arena, where modern players enjoy significant financial rewards. In this current landscape, cricketers can lead comfortable lives solely through their association with the sport. Thus, it would indeed be shocking to come across an international cricketer in India who resorts to driving a taxi for survival.
In such an unfortunate scenario, witnessing a retired player—particularly one aged over 70—would likely elicit sympathy from fans, former teammates, and charitable organizations alike. The media would undoubtedly capitalize on this story, expressing sorrow for the plight of what was once a prominent figure reduced to such humble circumstances. However, it is evident that this situation would be rather unlikely to unfold in New Zealand.
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A few years prior, a celebrated player—a name synonymous with the Basin Reserve pavilion—attended its launch ceremony. After two hours at the event, he departed to drive his taxi.
It may surprise some that Ewen Chatfield, a legendary former fast bowler from New Zealand, is now earning his living by driving a taxi during an era dominated by lucrative cricket contracts.
When asked to describe him in his own words, Chatfield stated that he was “at an age when it becomes very difficult to become an idealistic; however, the beauty of working with a taxi is that one can choose to drive whenever one chooses, be it all day or only parts of the day.” This allows him to pursue personal interests, such as cricket-watching, which suits him well at the moment.”
Ewen Chatfield, who was part of the New Zealand team that played in the 1979, 1983, and 1987 Cricket World Cups, stands out as an impeccable ODI bowler, as he was able to keep the batsman under check, restricting any free scoring through a tight line and well-done length. In this ODI career, he took 140 wickets in 114 matches at 3.57 per over, which establishes him as one of the most successful bowlers in the history of cricket. 45 years ago, on his Test debut, he was injured during a bouncer by a very difficult ball. He ended his career with 123 wickets in 43 Tests.
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Chatfield’s final outing in India was the memorable 1987 World Cup match, in which Chetan Sharma’s hat-trick took center stage, and Sunil Gavaskar struck a quick century. However, it will be that game that Indian fans always remember, during which Chatfield conceded 21 runs to Gavaskar in a single over.
