Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns on Sunday said he was “facing possibly the greatest challenge” of his life as he was left paralysed after getting a spinal stroke during his heart surgery.   

The former Kiwi skipper informed fans about his condition in a Twitter video and told that he has been left paralysed in both legs by the stroke and was briefly placed on life support in August after suffering complications during heart surgery.

Here’s the video!

“On 4th August I suffered a Type A aortic dissection, a rare but serious condition. I required emergency surgery and from there a range of complications ensued and I ended up suffering a spinal stroke,” Cairns said about his condition in the video.

The former player also expressed gratitude towards the medical staff and the hospital he was being treated in for their efforts and continuous support. 

He also thanked his well-wishers and fans for their prayers during his tough times. 

According to the video, the 51-year-old ex-cricketer underwent a life-saving surgery last month when a tear developed in the lining of a major artery. He has to undergo an emergency operation in Sydney but suffered a stroke during the procedure, leaving him unable to use his legs. The video was his first comment since the paralysis. 

Christopher Lance Cairns, popularly known as Chris Cairns, is a former New Zealand cricketer and former ODI captain, who played for the New Zealand cricket team as an all-rounder.

In 2000, Cairns was named as one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year. He then appeared in ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments on 4 occasions in 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003 and is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of the game.  

In 1999, Cairns created history after he went on to become the second player in ODI history to score a century in his 100th ODI and became the first batsman to score a century in his 100th ODI in a winning cause. He is currently the only New Zealand player to achieve that milestone