In a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket and the global Parsi community, on 23^rd July, 2025, legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, Farokh Engineer was bestowed with a rare and historic honour, as the iconic B Stand at Old Trafford Stadium, in Manchester, was officially renamed the ‘Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand’. This makes Engineer the first Indian cricketer to have a stand named after him at an overseas venue, cementing his towering legacy in world cricket.

The emotional unveiling ceremony took place just before the toss on Day 1 of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England. Both legends, 87-year-old Farokh Engineer and fellow honouree and long-time teammate at Lancashire County Cricket Club, West Indian icon, Clive Lloyd, were present to unveil the commemorative plaque. The duo also rang the ceremonial bell, marking the start of the Test match at a ground that holds decades of cricketing memories.

Speaking to Parsi Times, Farokh Engineer excitedly shared, “It’s indeed a huge honour to be recognised and appreciated, by naming a huge stand alongside my great teammate and great friend – Clive Lloyd at the one and only iconic and most well-known cricket stadiums of the World – the Old Trafford. Apart from honouring me with a Stand in my name, they have also named a large Suite at the Hilton Hotel, overlooking the ground, as the ‘Farokh Engineer Suite’.” Indeed, a huge honour right up there, along with his Life Achievement Award from BCCI and the Padma Shree.

He poignantly shared his disappointment that his achievements were not recognised in India, referring to the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, which still bears no tribute to his name. In January 2024, the BCCI had awarded him the prestigious C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, a long-overdue gesture of national acknowledgment. “I thank my Almighty Dadar Hormuzd for all of this. It’s the only and very first time that a stand has been named after an Indian Test Cricketer anywhere in the world! It’s a great honour not only for me but also for India and most importantly, for our Parsi Zoroastrian Community the world over,” he added beaming with pride.

Farokh Engineer’s association with Lancashire began in 1968, when he was signed as one of the Club’s earliest overseas players. Over eight stellar seasons (1968–1976), he played 175 matches, scoring 5,942 runs, taking 429 catches and effecting 35 stumpings. Instrumental in turning Lancashire into a formidable limited-overs side, he helped the Club break a 15-year title drought with four Gillette Cup wins and two John Player League triumphs. Alongside Lloyd, Engineer helped usher in what is often called ‘Lancashire’s golden era’.

Born in Bombay on 25^th February, 1938, Farokh Engineer was educated at Don Bosco School and Podar College, and went on to represent teams like Parsi Cyclists, Tatas, Bombay, and India. He made his Test debut in 1961 and went on to play 46 Tests, scoring 2,611 runs. Fondly dubbed the ‘Brylcreem Boy’ of Indian cricket, Engineer was one of India’s finest wicketkeepers as also India’s first cricketing celebrity and brand ambassador.

Beyond his on-field brilliance, Engineer’s life tells a story of cultural bridges and quiet resilience. Settling in Manchester post-retirement, he swiftly won respect with his exceptional skills. He received a testimonial from Lancashire in 1976, later served as a club Vice-President, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

The Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand stands tall today as a cricketing tribute and as a symbol of cross-cultural excellence, enduring legacy, and the power of representation. For Parsis around the world, it is a moment of unparalleled pride – honouring the last male Parsi to have played Test cricket for India and a true ambassador of the community’s sporting spirit. As Old Trafford echoes with the applause for these two giants of the game, Engineer’s name now stands where memories were made… and where legends never fade.