Page 41 - Synergy see page 60

PADMA SHRI FAROKH ENGINEER

Former wicket keeper of India

In his glory days, Farokh Engineer, the Played 46 Test
stylish cricketer, showed felicity with Matches in India
both the willow and the gloves. The and many more in
former Indian batsman-wicketkeeper has Lancashire.
scripted some of cricket’s finest moments,
has been a radio and TV commentator,
a raconteur of good stories, a sports
columnists and one of the happiest
ambassadors of the community.

With nearly two decades in First
Class cricket, Farokh Engineer, the
swashbuckling cricketer, has come out in
46 Test matches for India. Known as one
of the world’s quickest run-getters and an
astute wicketkeeper, he has exhibited his
prodigious talent in both areas. He played
with a flourish and style all his own. A
popular cricketer, he was the cynosure of
all eyes when he stepped on to the field
with his jaunty walk and an easy smile,
exuding confidence.

He played for Lancashire from 1967-76.
During this period, the team won the
Gillette Cup four times, the John Player
Sunday League thrice and were runners-
up in the country championships.

In 2004, his biography, Farokh Engineer:
‘From the Far Pavilion’, by John Cantrell,
was published with a Foreword by former
British Prime Minister, Sir John Major. He
served as the Match Referee for the first
IPL match in 2008. He was conferred the
Arjuna Award in 1972-1973 and the Padma
Shri in 1974-1975.

Endowed with a pleasing personality,
he radiates charm. Not surprisingly,
he was the first Indian cricketer to bag
advertising contracts, the main one being
for Brylcream.

December, 2014 SynergyZ 41