The professional cricketer's career is usually glamourized by success, national pride, and awards. Post-cricket life is a different story for Indian cricketers altogether. Over the past few years, there has been a strong trend of Indian cricketers—particularly domestic workhorses and erstwhile U-19 heroes—headquartered overseas after retirement. These cricketers have perhaps not had long national careers but have established lucrative international careers, contributing to the development of cricket in developing countries like the USA and Canada. Motives for immigration are diverse—unavailability of permanent opportunities, career plateau, family interests, or attractions to better conducive conditions in tournaments like Major League Cricket (MLC). Here, we uncover the Top Indian Cricketers Who Settled Abroad After Retirement, each with such individual stories that highlight the efforts and resilience of professional sportspersons. Their stories tell us that passion for cricket does not always require a Team India cap to grow—it can thrive seas away, in other colours. Top Indian Cricketers Who Chose to Live Abroad Post-Retirement Cricketer Country Role Unmukt Chand USA Batter Saurabh Netravalkar USA Bowler, Engineer Smit Patel USA Wicketkeeper-Batter Harmeet Singh USA Bowling All-rounder Milind Kumar USA Batting All-rounder Siddharth Trivedi USA Fast Bowler Jaskaran Singh Canada Bowler Agni Chopra USA Batter Top Indian Cricketers Who Chose to Live Abroad Post-Retirement Detailed Analysis Unmukt Chand Image Source : Getty Images Unmukt Chand was at one point touted as India's next cricketing sensation after guiding the U-19 team to a historic World Cup victory in 2012. His 111* in the final against Australia still stands as one of the best youth-level performances in Indian cricketing history. Although there were glimpses of brilliance in domestic cricket and IPL appearances for Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians, a senior team selection kept eluding him. In 2021, Unmukt took a drastic step by retiring from Indian cricket and moving to the USA. Since then, he has represented the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC, and had stints in the BBL and BPL. His story is so inspiring that a Netflix documentary called "Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story" is being produced. Chand's evolution is an indication of how ambition seeks new turf when the previous doors shut. Also Read | Indian Cricketers By Brand Value In 2025 Saurabh Netravalkar Image Source : Sportzpics Mumbai-bred Saurabh Netravalkar led India's bowling team in the 2010 U-19 World Cup. But after being unable to enter the senior ranks, he turned to academics and earned his MS in Computer Science from Cornell University. Today a software engineer for Oracle, he seems to juggle technology and cricket with remarkable ease. Netravalkar immigrated to the USA in 2015 and led their national team, earning ODI status in 2019. His performance in the Super Over against Pakistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup gained him international recognition. He is also the first American bowler to select five-wicket hauls in ODIs and T20Is. His story is one of intelligence, skill, and determination beyond the Indian border. Smit Patel Image Source : Getty Images Smit Patel was India's quiet hero in 2012 U-19 World Cup victory. His 62 not out in the final perfectly complemented Chand's century. He couldn't capitalize on a promising early start with Gujarat and later with Tripura in the Ranji Trophy to find a regular place in the national scheme of things. In 2021, he retired from cricket for India to look for better prospects in the USA. Now playing Minor League Cricket and representing teams such as Texas Super Kings and San Francisco Unicorns, he's left his imprint overseas. Patel is also a cricket journalist and interviewer, giving another spin to post-retirement life. Harmeet Singh Image Source : Getty Images Harmeet Singh Baddhan, at one time compared with Bishen Bedi, was rated as a promising left-arm spinner. A member of India's U-19 World Cup-winning teams in 2010 and 2012, Harmeet represented Mumbai and Tripura in domestic cricket. His Vijay Hazare Trophy performances further established his credentials. After 2021, Harmeet relocated to the USA, led the Seattle Thunderbolts, and was the inaugural draft pick in MLC history. He played his first USA T20I in 2024 and was a part of the T20 World Cup. His most recent spell for Rangpur Riders in the Global Super League indicates he's not done yet. Milind Kumar Image Source : ESPN Milind Kumar also had a great career at home, leading the charts in the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19 with 1331 runs for Sikkim. He represented Delhi, Tripura, and appeared in the IPL with Delhi Daredevils and RCB. But his opportunities decreased with the passage of time. In 2021, Milind transitioned to USA cricket. Representing Texas Super Kings in the MLC, he debuted internationally for the USA in 2024. With over 5,000 first-class runs, Milind’s presence is a big boost for American cricket. Siddharth Trivedi Image Source : BCCI Siddharth Trivedi, who was once a reliable bowler for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was on the outskirts after early promise. He played for India at the 2002 U-19 World Cup and had trained in Australia under the Border-Gavaskar Scholarship. His relocation to the USA started with the Atlanta Premier League in 2019. He has since become player-coach of the St Louis Americans and is now associated with the American Cricket Academy. His second stint at cricket is all about developing talent. Jaskaran Singh Image Source : Getty Images Mohali-born Jaskaran Singh was at one time in India A contention and played two seasons of IPL with Deccan Chargers. His rollercoaster run in domestic cricket led him to turn toward franchise chances in Canada. In 2025, he made his Canada debut in T20Is, claiming 12 wickets in 12 matches. Jaskaran's come-backing career shows there's life after the Indian circuit, particularly for pacers in North American conditions. Agni Chopra Image Source : ESPN Agni Chopra, director Vidhu Vinod Chopra's son, excelled in India's domestic cricket with a pair of consecutive Ranji hundreds for Mizoram. Even after ending the 2023-24 Plate Division's highest run-scorer, he remained unsold at the IPL 2025 auction. Chopra did not seek an Indian passport, and he remained a US citizen. MI New York drafted him for $50,000, and he featured in the MLC 2025 season. His story intertwines cricketing ambition with personal belief. Also Read | 5 Cricketers Who Lost Their Prime Due to Injuries Conclusion The stories of these cricketers indicate that cricket is no longer geographically limited. The Best Indian Cricketers Who Moved Abroad After Retirement did not relocate for lifestyle only; they relocated for opportunity, growth, and fulfillment. India lost their best years, perhaps, but the world beyond gained resources—cricketers with technical acumen, wonderful cricketing upbringing, and the hope to make a mark. From T20 franchises to international badges in the USA and Canada, these cricketers are brand ambassadors of Indian cricket in new frontiers. Their journey is a testament to the fact that even when dreams span continents, they don't get lost.