Chris Cairns: Former New Zealand all-rounder in ICU amid aortic dissection

As per details, Cairns was on life support after having cardiovascular surgery and St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney admitted him on Tuesday— with a spokesperson saying, "He is in a serious but stable condition in intensive care".

Cairns' wife Melanie released a statement via New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday (today) saying, "As has now been widely reported in the media, Chris suffered a major medical event in Canberra late last week”.

"We’re deeply concerned to hear of Chris Cairns' medical emergency. Our thoughts are with his family in Aus and here in NZ. Chris is a much loved husband, father, and son - and remains one of our finest allrounders. We hope he's able to make a full recovery.” -NZC CEO David White

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 11, 2021

Reportedly, the cricketer underwent surgery in Canberra but his health deteriorated following which he has now been transferred to Sydney hospital, where he has undergone further cardiovascular surgery.

In 2008, after retiring from international cricket, Cairns was the subject of allegations of match-fixing in India as captain of the Chandigarh Lions in the defunct Indian Cricket League.

However, he denied any wrongdoing and fought several legal battles to clear his name and in 2012 he won a libel case against former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi.

In addition, he was cleared of perjury and perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court in 2015.