Various people have been referred to be the “Godfather of Cricket.” Sunil Gavaskar, MS Dhoni, and Kerry Packer might all be contenders for the championship.
A person who significantly influenced the evolution of cricket is referred to as the “Godfather of Cricket.”
Although Virat Kohli has been dubbed the “King of Cricket” and Sachin Tendulkar the “God of Cricket,” the term “Godfather of Cricket” has been applied to a variety of people from the beginning of the game.
Learn about the many candidates for the title of “Godfather of Cricket.”
Kerry Packer
One may refer to Australian media magnate Kerry Packer as the “Godfather of Cricket.” Kerry Packer was instrumental in the reformation of cricket in the late 1970s. The late media entrepreneur, who is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most influential media owners of the 20th century, became well-known across the world for creating World Series Cricket. By raising player pay, starting bidding wars, and assisting in the game’s globalisation, it fundamentally altered cricket. He had a key role in the introduction of limited-overs cricket, coloured jerseys, and day-night cricket. Young cricket enthusiasts were drawn to the sport as a result of these modifications. Additionally, Packer was instrumental in rescuing cricket from financial ruin. Kerry Packer might be regarded as the Godfather of cricket because of these factors.
William Gilbert Grace
Another strong candidate for the title of Godfather of Cricket is William Gilbert Grace, a former English cricket player. William Grace, who is regarded as one of England’s best players, was instrumental in the growth of the game. During his remarkable career, which spanned 44 seasons from 1865 to 1908, Grace amassed almost 54,000 first-class runs. The English cricketer captained Gloucestershire, the United South of England Eleven (USEE), the Gentlemen, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), England, and many more teams throughout his career. Grace made a lasting impact and was well-known for his technological advancements.
Don Bradman
Former Australian cricketer Sir Donald George Bradman, who is widely regarded as the greatest batter of all time, is also a contender to be called the Godfather of cricket. Some people rank Don Bradman’s 6,996 runs at an incredible average of 99.94 in 52 Test matches throughout his 20-year playing career as one of the greatest accomplishments of any athlete. He became one of Australia’s most well-known figures and maybe the nation’s “first celebrity” because to his illustrious cricket career.
Sunil Gavaskar
Legendary West Indies cricketer Viv Richards bestowed the title of “Godfather of Indian Cricket” upon former India captain Sunil Gavaskar. Sunil Gavaskar was highly regarded for his technique against fast bowling after making his Test debut against the West Indies in 1971. He batted at an outstanding average of 65.45 and overpowered a four-pronged West Indies fast bowling assault. In Test cricket, he became the first hitter to reach 10,000 runs. Gavaskar, who is regarded as one of the best opening batsmen of all time, finished his illustrious career with 10,122 runs in 125 Test matches.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the former captain of India, is known as the “Godfather of Team India” in contemporary cricket. Following the retirement of players like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, and Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni led the Indian cricket team to unprecedented success in the global arena. In 2007, Team India won the T20 World Cup under his amazing leadership. In 2011, four years later, India won the ICC ODI World Cup for the second time, ending a 28-year drought. Later, in 2013, the Men in Blue won the Champions Trophy, which was hosted in England and Wales. Later, Dhoni relinquished his Test captaincy just in time to pass the torch to Virat Kohli. For a seamless transition, he relinquished his captaincy in the ODI and T20 forms, even though he remained a vital member in the limited-overs format. Dhoni helped Kohli develop his leadership abilities even after he relinquished his position as captain. Following his retirement, Dhoni was selected to coach India in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
