New Delhi: New Zealand cricket team's former all-rounder Chris Cairns has paralysis in his legs after undergoing a life-saving heart surgery. The 51-year-old had undergone the surgery at a specialist hospital in Sydney. Earlier, he was in the ICU for several days. As per New Zealand media reports, Cairns' condition remains critical after he suffered a "stroke in his spine" during the surgery.
Earlier this month, the NZ great suffered an aortic disease in his heart in Canberra and since then has undergone many operations.
"During the life saving emergency heart surgery Chris underwent in Sydney he suffered a stroke in his spine. This has resulted in paralysis in his legs," stuff.co.nz quoted a statement Cairns' lawyer Aaron Lloyd as saying.
"As a result he will be undertaking a significant rehabilitation process at a specialist spinal hospital in Australia. Chris and his family remain appreciative of the immense public support as they deal with this difficult time. They also appreciate the way in which their privacy has been respected.
"Chris and his family now want to focus on spending time together where possible and making whatever progress they can in his recovery. We will update everyone when there is more news, but that is likely to be some time away," the statement added.
Chris has been living in Australia with his wife and children for some time now. He played 62 Tests and 215 ODIs for New Zealand from 1989 to 2006. He has also played two T20 International matches.
Chris Cairns was born on 13 June 1970. He played his first Test match for New Zealand in 1989 and the first One Day International match in 1991. He played his last international match in February 2006.