Futures Month: Chris Nash

Following a professional career that spanned almost two decades, former Sussex and Nottinghamshire batter Chris Nash explores his transition away from the game to end PCA Futures Month.

Having retired from professional cricket in 2020 with 19,779 runs and 175 wickets to his name, Nash knew he wanted to go into business and is now running a healthcare practice, becoming the owner of a franchise in March 2024.

Nash spoke to the PCA as part of the Association’s new initiative – Futures Month. This November the main purpose of Futures Month is to educate members on planning for their future careers and celebrating their journeys in order to inspire others to be proactive.

Futures Month also enabled the PCA to explore in depth stories of members that have successfully transitioned into their next role after playing and celebrate those members past or present trying to better themselves through their personal development.

The 42-year-old attended PCA Futures Conference, in association with GEDU as a mentor to help educate players about their transition into the world of work after their cricketing careers and is keen to give back to the game.

“I learnt so much coming towards the end of my career, I’ve always felt the PCA has given us players so much, so to be able to offer some advice and share my experiences with players who are thinking about life after cricket was something I was eager to do.”

Retiring after a covid Vitality Blast semi-final injury, Nash recognises that it can be a difficult time for players having to come to terms with the end of their cricketing careers but with correct preparation it can be an exciting time also.

“Not everyone is going to retire at 38 having had an England Central Contract and franchise opportunities. I only every wanted to be a cricketer so to leave that environment behind and enter a different world is scary. Make sure you give everything to cricket, love every minute but also there are lots of exciting times after cricket, if you plan properly, you’ll have a great time.”

Nash had been planning to go into business for a few years before retiring and went to work with a good friend who owned a health insurance franchise, starting as an account manager and working there for three years before purchasing a franchise almost two years ago.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride running my own business and having the pressure of being on your own, I’ve met a lot of good people and I’ve just taken on my first member of staff who is the brother of a current player. It’s been a great few years and has made the transition really enjoyable.

“I always wanted to go into the business world, I find it very interesting, developing relationships and meeting people. Having your own business is amazing, I’ve taken up new hobbies and found time to be with family and friends, so to be in control of my schedule and my life has been an amazing thing to have.”

Skills that professional cricketers obtain throughout their careers are ‘very desirable’ in the business world according to Nash. Overcoming adversity, recovering from injuries and setbacks, working in a team environment but also on your own game are all characteristics that will help players in their future careers.

“Players underestimate what they can achieve outside cricket. We have so many skills having been professional sportspeople that are transferable to the outside world and I think speaking to people from business they’re all looking for the skills that we have, they can teach you the other stuff. It’s about giving players the confidence that they have a great skill set and knowing that will stand them in good stead and it will support them through the future.”

Giving his advice to players at the Futures Conference, Nash wants to ensure that they take every opportunity possible to make the transition from playing an easy process.

“Network whilst you’re still a professional cricketer, they might give you a job, they might become a colleague, they may become a customer. You don’t know what it will be like until the moment comes but just thinking about transition at any stage of your career will be very helpful.”

PCA Futures Month encompasses the two flagship events with the PCA Futures Conference in association with GEDU and the PCA Futures Awards in association with Lodders.