Former Indian cricketer awaits his civilian award since 1973

Former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer was named a Padma Shri recipient over half a century ago, yet he remains empty-handed. Newspapers first reported this honour in 1973 while he was actively playing for India. However, the 88-year-old veteran asserts he has never received official communication or the physical award during the subsequent 53 years. Historically, players relied heavily on print media and team management for official news during overseas tours in that era. Engineer was stationed in England when team manager Hemu Adhikari shared the good news. Everyone celebrated his achievement at the time, but the formal letter from the government never arrived. Engineer recalls telling Adhikari about the missing intimation, and he was assured an official letter would follow. It never did. Interestingly, the official government website still clearly lists his name as a 1973 awardee.

BCCI steps forward

Sports administrators are now preparing to intervene on his behalf. Sources indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India will send a formal letter to the government in the coming weeks. Engineer previously reached out to the late former union minister Arun Jaitley for help. More recently, he contacted International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah, who promised last month to assist him. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which officially announces the names of the winners, has not yet responded to recent queries regarding the status of his award. Engineer explained that he simply did not know whom to write to over the past five decades, always hoping someone from the government would finally call.

Final wishes of an Indian legend

Representing his nation in exactly 46 Tests between 1961 and 1975, Engineer was also the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Rest of the World team against England and Australia in the early 1970s. The fourth-highest civilian award holds deep emotional value for him. Despite living in England, he considers himself completely Indian at heart. He desperately wants to frame the certificate and visit Rashtrapati Bhavan with his wife to officially accept the medallion. At 88 years of age, he simply hopes to receive his rightful honour soon.