Knighthoods May Await Cricketers

Gordon Brown last night called for honors to be awarded to leading cricketers from India and other Commonwealth countries. The move could lead to OBEs, CBEs or knighthoods for the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.

The prime minister also said he also supported giving honorary awards to foreign footballers who have contributed to the success of the Premiership, putting people like Dennis Bergkamp in the frame.

Brown's remarks, during his visit to New Delhi, come after India won the third test of a bad-tempered four-match series in Australia. "I congratulate India on a famous victory, beating Australia away from home," he said.

"Cricket is one of the great things that bind the Commonwealth together, a shared passion over five continents. It used to be the case that great cricketers from the Commonwealth would be recognized by the British nation through the honors system. I believe it was a good system. We are nations of good sports. I would like to see some of the great players in the modern era honored.

"I propose honorary awards so the British nation can salute their achievements in one of our national sports. Obviously it is a matter for the honors committee, but I hope they will consider it," he said.

Viv Richards, who was knighted in 1999, Richard Hadlee, knighted in 1990, and Gary Sobers (1975), are among players from the more recent past from Commonwealth countries to receive knighthoods, joining Donald Bradman (1949).

The Brown plan could be extended to other players who have enjoyed beating England for most of their careers, such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh and Allan Border, although the two latter are already officers of the Order of Australia, in 2003 and 1989 respectively.