In a glittering ceremony celebrating the latest edition of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Awards held in Hyderabad, on 23^rd January, 2024, UK-based, legendary Parsi cricketer, 85-year-old former wicketkeeper-cum-batsman (1060s – 70s), Farokh Engineer was honoured with the prestigious Col. C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award (2019-20), by BCCI President – Roger Binny and BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah. Former cricketing icon – Ravi Shastri was also awarded the Lifetime award, alongside Farokh Engineer, during the Naman Awards. Last held in 2019, the BCCI Annual Awards resumed after a break due to the pandemic.

Well known for both – his expertise with the bat and his agility behind the stumps, Farokh Engineer’s career spanned 46 Test matches for India, amassing 2,611 runs, which included 2 centuries and 16 half-centuries. Speaking on the momentous occasion to Parsi Times, Farokh Engineer shared, “It is indeed a huge honour – I am humbled with this prominent recognition. I was felicitated in the USA by being inducted in their Hall of Fame, in England I was honoured with a stand at the World Famous ‘Old Trafford Stadium’ and a suite was named after me at The Hilton overlooking the stadium. But it is here in India, where after receiving the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri – to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award in my own country, tops it all!”

Often referred to as the original poster boy of Indian cricket, Engineer was a flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter who excelled as an opener, playing a key role in India’s first-ever away Test win in New Zealand, in 1967–68, and then the 1971 series win against England under the captaincy of Ajit Wadekar. His most memorable moment as batsman was against West Indies at Madras in 1966-67, scoring 94 runs before lunch on the first day, against their iconic pacers – Wes Hall, Charles Griffith, Gary Sobers and spinner Richard Gibbs. He was the wicketkeeper for the ‘Rest of the World Squad, which toured England and Australia. Engineer has also played five 1-day internationals.

Speaking about the changes that have taken place in the world of cricket, Farokh Engineer said, “Cricket has really changed a lot from my playing days – not necessarily for the better, except that players are earning fortunes these days! All thanks mainly to IPL and the huge earnings for test players! We got paid Rs. 50 per day for Test Cricket! It’s great to see new formats like the T-20 and the IPL – though these are mainly focused on entertainment and money-money-money!” Post his retirement from Test cricket, he continued playing with Lancashire in county cricket before choosing to settle down in the UK, about five decades ago

On the lack of Parsi presence in cricket today, Farokh Engineer lamented, “It’s really sad that no Parsi has been selected to play Test Cricket since I did, but hopefully Arzan Nagwaswalla will make it one day as he is a wonderful bowler.”

Concluding with a heartfelt message to the community, Farokh Engineer shared, “I wish to send all my love and my deepest gratitude to all our community members in India and across the world, for the support and love you have shown me over the decades. I greatly appreciate your support and I am extremely proud to be a Parsi!”

PZASH Felicitates Farokh Engineer

The Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad-Hyderabad (PZASH) organized a felicitation on 24^th January, 2024, at the Parsi Dharamshala – ‘Paradise’, to felicitate cricket icon Farokh Engineer, who was in town to receive the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ bestowed upon him by BCCI. Former India Captain – Dilip Vengsarkar also graced the occasion. Both cricketing legends recalled nostalgic experiences playing for India and humorously answered several questions from the audience.

Jehangir Bisney – Trustee, PZAZH presided over the function while Khorshed Chenai – President, PZASH, presented mementoes to the two cricketing prodigies. Naushad Vakeel – Managing Committee Member, PZASH and Ashish Chenoy presented shawls to their wives – Julie Engineer and Manali Vengsarkar.  Kerfegar Antia – Trustee, PZASH presented a photo frame to Farokh Engineer with photographs of his last visit to Hyderabad (during the Jiji Irani Trophy Match, played in Hyderabad), which he greatly appreciated. The evening concluded with high tea and Parsi snacks.