Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar played his last international game in 1987 but he still commands respect in England as a legendary once in a generation batter. Gavaskar has become the first Indian cricketer who will have a ground named after him in England or anywhere in Europe. The Leicester cricket ground which is a five-acre sports field will be named after the Little Master on July 23.
This is not the first cricket ground to be named after the legendary Indian batter. Stadiums in Kentucky, the US and Tanzania's Zanzibar have also been named after him.
“I am delighted and honoured that a ground in Leicester is being named after me. Leicester is a city with possibly the strongest supporters of the game, especially Indian cricket, and therefore, it is a huge honour indeed," Gavaskar told leading news daily.
The unveiling of the plaque will take place on July 23. The plaque is owned by Bharat Sports and Cricket Club. A giant image of Gavaskar has already been painted on the pavillion's entire wall.
Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz took the initiative. Vaz has represented Leicester in the UK parliament for a record period of 32 years.
We are thrilled and honoured that Gavaskar has agreed to have this pitch and ground named after him. He is a living legend and over the years, has deligted Indians and other lovers of cricket with his record-breaking performances. To us, he is not just the 'Little Master', he is a great master of the game. Nothing delights the Indian population of Leicester more than when an all-time great visits us. There is now a part of Britain that is forever Gavaskar," Vaz said.
Gavaskar made his Test debut in 1971. He was a member of 1983 World Cup-winning side. He is one of the all-time greats of Test cricket. He is the first batter to score 10,000 runs in the format. He has 10,122 runs from 214 innings at an average of 51.12 including 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries.
