Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune in Bangalore is currently making headlines. Beyond cricket, it has become common for cricketers to explore side-businesses for additional income. Here are 10 cricketers who have ventured into the restaurant business:
10. Shakib Al Hasan
Known for his contributions to Bangladesh cricket, Shakib opened Shakib’s 75, a cricket-themed sports lounge in Dhaka in 2015. It features memorabilia from his career and a menu inspired by his achievements.
9. Shoaib Malik
In Lahore, Pakistan, Shoaib Malik launched The Rice Bowl in early 2022, attracting attention not only for its cuisine but also for celebrity visits, including Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.
8. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
The Sri Lankan legends partnered with chef Dharshan Munidasa to establish the Ministry of Crab (MOC) in Colombo in 2011, expanding globally to cities like Mumbai and Bangkok, celebrating Sri Lankan seafood.
The Sri Lankan legends partnered with chef Dharshan Munidasa to establish the Ministry of Crab (MOC) in Colombo in 2011, expanding globally to cities like Mumbai and Bangkok, celebrating Sri Lankan seafood.
7. Kapil Dev
The former Indian captain owns Elevens, a cricket-themed restaurant in Patna since 2008, renowned for its diverse menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
6. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer entered the hospitality industry in 2005 with ZK’s Dine Fine in Pune, later expanding to Toss Sports Lounge in 2013, offering sports enthusiasts a vibrant dining experience.
Zaheer entered the hospitality industry in 2005 with ZK’s Dine Fine in Pune, later expanding to Toss Sports Lounge in 2013, offering sports enthusiasts a vibrant dining experience.
5. Suresh Raina
After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Raina fulfilled a dream by opening Raina Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam in June 2023, serving a variety of Indian delicacies.
4. Shikhar Dhawan
The Flying Catch in Dubai, opened in 2023, reflects Dhawan’s sporting prowess and commitment to healthy dining options, catering especially to the Indian community in the city.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Known as Jaddu’s Food Field in Rajkot, Jadeja’s restaurant underwent a transformation after a 2018 raid and now offers a variety of multi cuisine dishes.
2. MS Dhoni
Dhoni’s investment in Shaka Harry, a plant-based food venture at Bangalore airport since December 2022, has attracted travelers and vegans alike.
1. Virat Kohli
With One8 Commune, Kohli has expanded his restaurant chain across major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata, focusing on vegetarian cuisine and global flavors.
These cricketers have leveraged their fame and love for food to create successful ventures that resonate with fans and food enthusiasts.
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Atharva Shetye