'I've no desire to come back to cricket'

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Now, after his retirement, Chris is dedicating his time to other endeavours. In the City recently for the launch of the Chris Cairns Foundation in India, the former cricketer spoke about his philanthropic work, the changed style of the game and Bangalore.

Chris, whose foundation has been working on rail safety in New Zealand, was here to provide a cochlear implant (an electronic device that provides a sense of sound) to a young boy. He said that the reasons for choosing this cause were very personal.

“The reason I have chosen to raise funds for the cochlear implant here was because my father also had received one. And I think you should be involved with something that you have some experience in. It’s one of those things that you can understand better if you have seen someone go through that,” he said.

And what was the reason for the awareness campaign in India? “Because cricket gives you a voice. And you can do so much here,” he says.

“This is something I am passionate about and here, you can have a direct impact and make a difference. If we can help these youngsters, it’s a great thing,” he added.

The all-rounder seems to be well settled in his new life. “I live in Dubai and I enjoy being an entrepreneur. I am an avid cricket watcher but I have no intentions of getting back to the game,” he says. “I was happy doing what I did but I have no desire of coming back,” he adds.

He also seems to like the changing cricket scene. “The game has changed drastically. I love watching Twenty20. Some of the older cricketers say they don’t like it. But even if you don’t like it, just don’t hate it for what it is not,” he says.

“It’s not Test cricket or a 50-over game. It is Twenty20 and requires great skills and the crowd loves it. So it is brilliant,” he says.

Talk about Bangalore and he says that the City holds a special place in his heart. “My first Test match was in the City,” he says.  “Indian people are very hospitable and courteous. It’s a great culture and there is so much to do here,” he adds. Ask about any special memories he has of the City and he says, “In 1995, I was playing a match and while diving at a ball, my pant got torn. I had to take it off in front of the crowd and everyone cheered on. So that was memorable,” he smiles.