The cricket ball felt like lead in Blair Tickner’s hand. His phone buzzed with news that would shatter his world – his wife Sarah had leukemia. Yet ECB officials forced him to keep playing. This is the incredible story of a cricketer who discovered what truly matters.
The Day Everything Changed
In May 2024, Tickner prepared for a County Championship game with Derbyshire. Then came the call that froze time. Sarah had been diagnosed with blood cancer. Their daughter Flo was just nine months old.
“We tried to get myself out of that game but the ECB kept me in. I had to play knowing my wife had leukaemia,” Tickner recalls, voice trembling. “Looking back, it’s crazy.”
Playing Through Pain
Despite the agony, Tickner scored his career-best 47 runs in that match. He moved between hospital visits and the cricket ground like a ghost. “Going back and forth to the hospital and playing… it was a blur,” he admits.
Two Years of Silent Battles
What followed was a journey few athletes endure:
- Putting cricket on hold indefinitely
- Monthly chemotherapy sessions for Sarah
- Rebuilding family life in New Zealand
- Facing permanent career uncertainty
Sarah’s strength became their anchor. “She’s a strong woman,” Tickner says proudly. “We’re in the good stage now – still monthly chemo, but in remission.”
The Unexpected Comeback Call
Just when Tickner had made peace with retirement, cricket came knocking. An injury to Kyle Jamieson opened a spot in the ODI series against England.
| Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Last NZ Appearance | April 2023 | vs Pakistan in Karachi |
| Wife’s Diagnosis | May 2024 | During Derbyshire contract |
| Return to Squad | October 2025 | vs England ODI series |
“When the selector called, I didn’t speak for ten minutes,” Tickner reveals. “This is for Sarah’s family who supported us. My daughter Flo has never seen me play for New Zealand – that makes this extra special.”
A New Perspective on Cricket
The crisis transformed Tickner’s approach:
- No more pressure about selection
- Focus on enjoying every moment
- Seeing cricket as privilege, not pressure
- Using sport to inspire others facing adversity
“I think cricketers don’t understand how lucky they are,” he reflects. “Last time I played for NZ, I was stressed about my place. Now I’ll always have a smile on my face.”
More Than Just Cricket
Between chemotherapy cycles, Tickner built a surprising second life:
- Running The 13th Stag café in Hawke’s Bay
- Coaching through Coach Squad NZ
- Returning to Derbyshire for 2025 season
“I owe Derbyshire everything,” he says. “They stood by us during the worst time.”
Teammates Welcome Warrior Back
Daryl Mitchell summed up the squad’s feelings: “Ticks charges in with high energy and pace, but most importantly he’s a good person. You know exactly what you’ll get.”
As New Zealand prepares for the final ODI, Tickner’s story reminds us all: sometimes the greatest victories happen off the field. His silver fern jersey now carries more meaning than ever – a symbol of survival, family, and rediscovered joy in the game.
“With what we’ve been through, I just want to enjoy every moment. If I play, I’ll be the real Blair Tickner – the one I wanted to be years ago.”
