Key Highlights
- Farooq Engineer becomes the first Indian cricketer to have a stand named after him at a foreign ground.
- Sir Clive Lloyd and Farooq Engineer Stand unveiled at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford on the eve of the fourth India-England Test.
- Both legends attended the ceremony, marking their immense contribution to Lancashire Cricket Club.
New Delhi: Ahead of the fourth Test between India and England, a proud moment unfolded for Indian cricket as legendary wicketkeeper Farooq Engineer was honored with a stadium stand named in his recognition at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford. The stand, now officially called the Sir Clive Lloyd and Farooq Engineer Stand, is located between the players’ area and media center, extending toward the Hilton Hotel.
Engineer is the first Indian cricketer to receive such an honor at a stadium outside India. Alongside him, West Indies great Sir Clive Lloyd two-time World Cup winning captain was recognized as well, cementing the legacy of both players at the iconic ground.
Ceremony and Reactions
The unveiling was a special occasion, attended by both Engineer and Lloyd. Engineer, who played for Lancashire from 1968 to 1976, remarked to PTI,
“This is a proud moment not just for me, but also for India. Clive and I both agreed, we never imagined such an honor in our lifetime. God is great. The lack of recognition in my country feels fulfilled here.”
Engineer, now 87, also expressed some disappointment at the lack of local recognition in Mumbai, his home turf, especially at the Brabourne Stadium where he played the bulk of his domestic cricket. However, he acknowledged and thanked the BCCI for honoring him with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2024.
Lancashire Cricket CEO said in a statement,
“Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce a stand at Emirates Old Trafford honoring Hall of Fame inductees Sir Clive Lloyd and Farooq Engineer.”
Legacy at Lancashire
Sir Clive Lloyd
- Played 219 first-class matches for Lancashire (1968–1986), scoring 12,764 runs and claiming 55 wickets.
- In List A cricket: 8,522 runs and 60 wickets.
- Instrumental in Lancashire’s golden era helped win two one-day league titles (1969, 1970) and four Gillette Cups (1970, 1971, 1972, 1975).
- Delivered a classic 126 at Lord’s in the 1972 Gillette Cup final.
Farooq Engineer
- Kept wickets for Lancashire from 1968 to 1976; played 175 matches, scored 5,942 runs, and effected 429 catches with 35 stumpings.
- His dynamic presence with bat and gloves ushered in a period of ODI dominance for Lancashire.
- Both Lloyd and Engineer contributed to ending Lancashire’s title drought, sparking a golden run with multiple trophies in the 1970s.
Why This Matters
This twin tribute not only celebrates the international achievement of these two cricketing icons but also strengthens cricketing ties between India, the Caribbean, and England. For Indian fans, Engineer’s recognition on foreign soil is a source of immense pride, especially as he becomes the first Indian player ever to receive such a stadium honor abroad.
Quick Summary Table
| Player | Club Years | Matches | Major Achievements | Honor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farooq Engineer | 1968–1976 | 175 | 5,942 runs, 429 catches, 35 stumpings | First Indian with stand named abroad |
| Sir Clive Lloyd | 1968–1986 | 219 | 12,764 runs, 55 wickets (FC), 4 Gillette Cups, 2 one-day leagues | Stand at Old Trafford, already a Hall-of-Famer |
This celebration at Old Trafford is a milestone for cricket history, acknowledging the remarkable contributions of Farooq Engineer and Sir Clive Lloyd far beyond their home nations.
