Doha: Legendary Cricketer Farokh Engineer Interacts With Fans
By Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network—Doha (CN)
Doha, April 8: Fans of Indian cricket had the rare opportunity to meet, hear, and interact with Padmashri Farokh Engineer, arguably one of India’s finest wicketkeeper batsmen.
The evening was made possible by the efforts of M Pallonji. Chidananda Naik, the general manager of M Pallonji, said that it was a great privilege to host a sportsman of this caliber.
The chief guest of the evening, H E Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Qatar, expressed immense delight and recalled how popular a cricketer he was.
M I Farid, chief of Qatar Veteran’s League, welcomed the gathering and shared with the audience the activities of the league.
The evening comprised of a presentation by Ravi Shankar, cricket enthusiast and master of ceremonies of the evening, who took the audience through a wonderful and interesting journey of Farokh’s cricketing career.
The presentation also unfolded many details about Farokh’s life such as that he was the first cricketer to endorse products. Even today, Farokh has the same charisma and magic and people were spellbound hearing him speak.
He highlighted the following:
1. Total tests played: 46, runs scored: 2,611, avg: 31.08, catches; 66, stumping: 18
2. 1972-73 England vs India test series in India: 415 runs scored, highest average among Indians, one century, and three half centuries
3. Scored 94 before lunch on first day: 1966-67 test series vs West Indies at Chennai, against the bowling of Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith, Lance Gibbs, and Sobers. On the first ball faced after lunch, hit a six to complete his century.
4. Selected for the Rest of the World XI in 1970
5. Selected for the World XI in 1971
6. Ensured India’s first overseas test series win by scoring 28 not out along with Abid Ali 3rd Test vs England at the Oval
7. Indian Cricketer of the Year: 1965
8. Awarded the Padmashri: 1973
9. International Test Debut: 1961 vs England at Kanpur
Farokh was accompanied by his wife Julie and daughters Roxana and Scarlet.
Mementoes were given to Farokh, his family, and the Ambassador, by Chidananda Naik and M I Farid on behalf of M Pallonji and Veteran’s Cricket League, respectively.
The programme was followed by dinner and a photo session where all present had an opportunity to get themselves photographed with the legend.
Photo Album : Click Here