MANCHESTER, England — In a second steeped in emotion and sporting reverence, Lancashire County Cricket Membership has immortalized considered one of its best icons, Sir Clive Lloyd, by naming a stand in his honor on the historic Outdated Trafford Cricket Floor.
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The tribute, unveiled on Wednesday, July 23, simply forward of the fourth Take a look at between England and India, pays homage to the legendary West Indies captain and former Lancashire stalwart whose towering legacy has helped form the worldwide cricketing panorama.
The newly christened Sir Clive Lloyd Stand, previously generally known as the B Stand, will ceaselessly stand as a monument to the Guyanese-born cricketing big who, from 1968, spent two superb many years because the heartbeat of the Lancashire squad.
Sir Clive and Farokh Engineer: Two legends, one legacy
The stand will even honor one other Lancashire nice: former India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer, Sir Clive’s longtime teammate and shut good friend. In a novel gesture, the higher tier will bear Sir Clive Lloyd’s identify, whereas the decrease tier might be named for Engineer.
Collectively, Lloyd and Engineer have been instrumental throughout Lancashire’s golden period, guiding the crew to a few consecutive Gillette Cup titles (1970–1972) and two Sunday League championships. Lloyd, famed for his composure and explosive stroke play, scored 12,764 runs in 219 matches for the membership, together with 30 first-class centuries, whereas Engineer amassed 5,942 runs, together with 429 catches and 35 stumpings throughout his nine-year stint.
Lloyd’s unforgettable 126 within the 1972 Gillette Cup ultimate stays one of many defining innings within the county’s storied historical past.
“Outdated Trafford was my residence”: Sir Clive displays on a exceptional journey
In an emotional assertion, Sir Clive, who led the West Indies to back-to-back World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979, mirrored on his journey from Guyana to greatness.
“I’m deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition,” he mentioned. “Outdated Trafford has at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart – it’s the place I spent a number of the most memorable years of my profession. To have a stand named after me at this historic floor is really one of many particular moments of my life.”
Trying again on his arrival in Manchester as a younger cricketer, Sir Clive recalled the life-changing alternative Lancashire supplied him:
“Lancashire gave me a house, a household, and the chance to play the sport I really like with ardour and delight. This Membership formed me each as a cricketer and as an individual.”
Maybe most poignantly, he expressed hope that the following technology would draw inspiration from his identify adorning the stands:
“What makes this second so emotional is understanding that younger gamers – from right here and world wide – will lookup at that stand and perhaps really feel impressed, simply as I as soon as was strolling into this floor for the primary time.”
Cricket West Indies celebrates a titan of Caribbean sport
Again within the Caribbean, Cricket West Indies (CWI) hailed the tribute as a becoming recognition of Sir Clive’s indelible affect on the game.
“Sir Clive Lloyd exemplifies the easiest of West Indies cricket – excellence, management, and an unwavering dedication to the very best requirements,” mentioned CWI CEO Chris Dehring. “His achievements at each county and worldwide degree have impressed generations of Caribbean cricketers and proceed to function a beacon for younger gamers throughout our area.”
Sir Clive’s worldwide document is as formidable as his home feats: 110 Checks, 87 One-Day Internationals, and a legacy of captaincy that redefined West Indies cricket in its golden age.
The Outdated Trafford naming ceremony comes only one month after CWI honored the heroes of the 1975 World Cup-winning crew in Barbados to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of that iconic triumph. For Lloyd, who led that crew to historical past, the stand is the newest jewel in a crown already gleaming with distinction.
A shared honor, an enduring inspiration
Sir Clive closed his remarks by extending the distinction past himself:
“I share this honor with Farokh, an awesome good friend and brother, in addition to all our teammates, and the Lancashire supporters who stood by me by way of triumphs and trials. Cricket has at all times been a crew recreation, and my identify on this stand displays all of the individuals who helped me alongside the best way.”
Because the cricketing world appeared on from Outdated Trafford and throughout the Caribbean, one fact was clear: the sport has been richer for Sir Clive Lloyd’s presence—and the sport will always remember.
