Lancashire to honour Farokh Engineer, Clive Lloyd with named stands in 4th Test

Lancashire County Cricket Club will honour two of its most iconic figures, Farokh Engineer and Clive Lloyd, by naming stands after them at the legendary Old Trafford ground. The tribute will coincide with the fourth Test of the high-octane India-England series, beginning July 23. England currently lead the five-match series 2-1.

The ceremonial unveiling is expected to take place on the opening day of the Test, and will serve as a fitting recognition of the immense contributions both cricketers made to Lancashire`s rich legacy. “It is a fitting honour for the both legends of the club,” said the source.

Engineer, the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter from India, represented Lancashire from 1968 to 1976. In 175 matches for the county, he amassed 5,942 runs, claimed 429 catches, and effected 35 stumpings. Engineer played a pivotal role in reviving the club’s fortunes at a time when major titles had eluded them for over 15 years. He was instrumental in Lancashire’s triumph in the Gillette Cup, which they won four times between 1970 and 1975 during his tenure.

Lloyd, the towering West Indies captain and two-time World Cup winner, joined Lancashire in the early 1970s and went on to serve the club for nearly two decades. He played a transformative role in the club’s evolution, turning them into a formidable side during his era.

Interestingly, despite his iconic status, Engineer does not have a stand named after him at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, where he played much of his cricket.

“They were incredible times, and Old Trafford was a marvellous place to be. People would come for miles to see us play,” Engineer had told the club website a few years ago.

“From the Old Trafford dressing room we could see Warwick Road railway station and before the game we would see packed trains emptying the passengers on the platform. We could hear the chanting and the excited chatter and laughter,” he recalled.

Engineer also remembered receiving fan mail during his heydays.

“It was amazing, our lockers would be stuffed full of requests for autographs and invitations to parties. Everyone in England was talking about that great team, names like Clive Lloyd, Harry Pilling, Peter Lever and Ken Shuttleworth,” he said.

“That buzz lasted for years and we were the most famous one-day team in the land.”

After retirement, Engineer made Manchester his home and continues to live here till date. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who is here on a personal visit, is also expected to attend the ceremony alongside the senior officials of the club.

(With PTI inputs)