Are elite cricketers more prone to suicide? A psychological autopsy study of Test cricketer suicides

It has been hypothesised that the very nature of the game predisposes elite cricketers to higher rates of suicide.

We aim to estimate the suicide rate of male Test cricketers and to determine the reasons for suicide.

The suicide rate in male Test cricketers was determined. A psychological autopsy was conducted using published biographical data.

Twenty suicides amongst 2794 male Test cricketers from 1877 to 2014 yielded a suicide rate of 715.4 per 100,000 for that period. Health, financial and relationship issues were prominent; depression and alcohol misuse were common.

Most suicides in Test cricketers occurred post-retirement in mid to late life with similar correlates to those found in the general male population. The idiosyncrasies of cricket are unlikely to contribute to suicide; however, the post-retirement welfare of Test cricketers should remain a focus of concern and the greater supports available to contemporary Test cricketers needs to extend beyond retirement.