Zafar Ansari, a former English cricketer, made headlines not just for his performances on the field but also for his decision to retire from professional cricket at the young age of 25.
This article will teach you about Zafar Ansari’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Zafar Ansari’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zafar Shahaan Ansari |
| Nickname | – |
| Age | 32 |
| Born | December 10, 1991 |
| College | Trinity Hall, Cambridge |
| Height | 1.8 m |
| Nationality | British |
| Net Worth | $.3 million |
| Salary | – |
| Wife | Not married |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | – |
Early Career
Zafar Ansari’s cricket journey began at a very young age. He represented Surrey County before he turned nine and played for England at the U15, U17, and U19 levels.
Ansari’s talent was evident early on, as he even captained the England U15 team.
His academic prowess matched his cricketing skills, earning him an academic scholarship to Hampton School.
Professional Career
Ansari’s professional cricket career, though short-lived, was impressive. He made his Surrey debut in September 2010 in a List A match against Sussex.
Ansari quickly made a name for himself as a spin-bowling all-rounder, bowling left-arm orthodox spin and batting left-handed.
Ansari’s international career began with his One Day International debut for England against Ireland on May 8, 2015.
Ansari eventually made his Test debut against Bangladesh in October 2016, playing a total of 3 Test matches for England before his retirement.
Zafar Ansari’s Net Worth Details
Zafar Ansari’s net worth is estimated to be $.3 million as of 2025.
Contract
Zafar Ansari signed a significant contract with Surrey County Cricket Club in October 2015. Here are the key details:
- Length: The contract was for 3 years, running from 2015 to 2018.
- Timing: This new deal came at a crucial point in Ansari’s career, following a season where he had been called up to the England national team.
Career Records
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 49 | 32 | 5 | 2/76 |
| ODIs | 1 | – | – | – | – |
| First-class | 71 | 3009 | 112 | 128 | 6/30 |
| List A | 42 | 1289 | – | 38 | 4/42 |
| T20s | 69 | 768 | 67* | 39 | 3/17 |
FAQs
1. Why did Zafar Ansari retire from cricket at 25?
Zafar Ansari retired in 2017 to pursue a career in law and other intellectual interests. Despite earning a Test cap for England, he felt cricket was no longer fulfilling, stating he wanted to explore ambitions beyond sports. His decision followed a challenging winter tour with England and a loss of passion for the game.
2. What are Zafar Ansari’s academic qualifications?
Ansari graduated with a double first in politics and sociology from Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He later earned a master’s degree in history with distinction from Royal Holloway, University of London, focusing on the Deacons for Defense and Justice, a civil rights group.
3. Which teams did Zafar Ansari play for during his cricket career?
He represented Surrey County Cricket Club across formats and played three Tests for England in 2016. He also captained England at U15, U17, and U19 levels and played for Cambridge University in first-class matches.
4. What is Zafar Ansari doing after retiring from cricket?
He became a barrister at Blackstone Chambers in London and works with legal charities like Inquest. In 2021, he was appointed to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), addressing systemic inequities in the sport.
5. When did Zafar Ansari make his Test debut for England?
He debuted on October 28, 2016, against Bangladesh in Mirpur, taking 2/76 in the second innings. He played two more Tests against India later that year before a back injury ended his international career.
6. What were some of Zafar Ansari’s notable performances in cricket?
In 2011, he took 5/33 for Cambridge University against Surrey, dismissing Kevin Pietersen. He scored 913 Championship runs and took 24 wickets in 2014 for Surrey. His 99 against Lancashire in 2015, facing James Anderson, was a highlight.
7. Has Zafar Ansari been involved in cricket since retiring?
While no longer playing, he contributed to the sport through the ICEC, which published a 2023 report titled Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket. He occasionally attends Surrey matches as a supporter.
8. What is Zafar Ansari’s family background?
Born in Ascot, Berkshire, to Pakistani parents, his father migrated from Sukkur, Pakistan. His older brother, Akbar Ansari, also played county cricket for Leicestershire and Derbyshire.
9. Did Zafar Ansari play limited-overs cricket for England?
He played one abandoned ODI against Ireland in 2015. His sole T20 appearance for England was in a 2016 tour match, though he featured extensively for Surrey in the Vitality Blast.
10. What awards or recognitions has Zafar Ansari received?
He was named Surrey’s Player of the Year in 2014 and earned a spot in England’s Test squad for his all-round skills. Post-retirement, his ICEC work highlights his ongoing impact on cricket’s equity policies.
