Sports · Cricket · 1 hr ago
Blair Tickner says wife's cancer battle changed his outlook on cricket
New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner says his wife's cancer battle changed his outlook on cricket and life.
His wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2024 and completed treatment in August 2026.
Tickner says the family’s difficult period helped him see cricket as less important than family and life.
Early in his career, he felt strong pressure to meet expectations, but now he wants to enjoy playing and be himself.
He made 34 runs from 23 balls in New Zealand’s first one-day international against India, though his team was bowled out for 185.
Tickner is preparing for the second ODI against India in Wellington and hopes the pitch will offer bowlers extra bounce and movement.
He says he is aiming to play with a smile and enjoy the game.
New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner says his wife Sarah’s cancer battle changed how he views cricket and performance pressure.
Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2024 and underwent treatment; the articles differ on the diagnosis month and when she entered remission.
Tickner said he now wants to enjoy cricket and play with a smile, while recognising that family matters more than the game.
He spoke about the experience ahead of the second ODI against India in Wellington.
- Who
- Blair Tickner, a New Zealand fast bowler, and his wife Sarah.
- What
- Tickner says Sarah’s cancer battle changed his outlook on cricket and eased the pressure he felt about performance.
- When
- He spoke ahead of the second ODI against India on November 6, 2026. Sarah was diagnosed in 2024.
- Where
- Wellington, New Zealand.
- Why
- The experience of Sarah’s illness helped him put cricket in perspective and value his family more.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tickner made his T20I debut.
Tickner made his ODI debut.
Tickner earned his first Test cap.
Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia; the articles give different diagnosis months and remission timings.
Tickner discussed his outlook ahead of the second ODI against India in Wellington.
- Age
- 33
- Sarah’s diagnosis
- Leukaemia in 2024; articles differ on whether it was in April or May
- Treatment
- News18 says she underwent treatment for eight months
- International career
- T20I debut in 2019; ODI debut in 2022; Test debut in 2023
- ODI appearances
- 19, according to News18
4 sources
Cricket Is Important, But It's Not Everything: How Wife's Cancer Battle Changed Blair Tickner's Outlook
Wife's cancer battle put cricket in perspective for New Zealand's Blair Tickner
Blair Tickner Opens Up On Wife's Cancer Battle And Its Impact On His Career
Tickner finds perspective beyond cricket after wife's cancer battle
What people are saying
I’m just trying to enjoy my cricket and I’m probably being a bit more myself.
I try to play with a smile on my face, and, yeah, it’s a lot more than cricket, obviously.
I don't want to be at a game that's a 400 chase 400.
play with a smile on my face