News | 1 August 2024
Indian cricket legend Ravi Shastri has been made an Honorary Fellow by Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The award – presented at a special event at Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s Sophia Gardens today (1 August, 2024) – recognises Shastri’s unparalleled contribution to cricket as a world class player, coach and commentator during a career that already spans more than 40 years.
Born on May 27, 1962, in Mumbai, India, Shastri played for the Indian national team from 1981 to 1992. Shastri excelled as both a right-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, with his aggressive batting style playing a pivotal role in India’s 1983 World Cup victory.
He is one of only five players in the history of the game to have completed the impressive hat-trick of scoring more than 3000 Test runs, taking over 150 Test wickets and scoring more than 10 Test Centuries.
His connections to Cardiff began in 1987, when he signed for Glamorgan, playing there for four years. In 1988, he played a key role in the team’s run to the semi-finals of the Benson & Hedges Cup, winning the leading six hitter award for the Sunday League matches of 1988 with 14 sixes.
After retiring from international cricket, Shastri transitioned seamlessly into a successful career as a commentator. He was also a UNICEF ambassador for a decade, championing the ‘Pulse-Polio’ campaign until India eventually eradiated Polio.
In 2017, he became Head Coach of the Indian national cricket team, guiding the team to an historic Test Series win in Australia that led to India becoming the number one Test team in the world.
Professor Sheldon Hanton, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Loved by cricket fans throughout the world, Ravi’s journey from a celebrated cricketer to a respected coach and commentator underscores his incredible impact on Indian and international cricket.
“His impact and his legacy has also long been felt right here in Cardiff. We’re delighted to be able to recognise his contribution to our city and to cricket with an Honorary Fellowship, with this event marking an important milestone in our shared commitment to shaping the future of the sport.
“Like Ravi, we have a proud tradition of success in cricket, with many of our graduates achieving professional contracts and going on to represent their country. Through our partnership with Glamorgan, we run one of the most successful high performance cricket programmes in the country, being crowned University champions in 2023.
“Through our sports coaching and broadcast degrees, we are also producing the talented coaches and commentators of the future. Ravi will be an inspiration to so many of our students and graduates, who are ready to build on his legacy.”
Speaking about the accolade, Ravi Shastri said: “I feel humbled and honoured to be awarded a fellowship at this great institution and I look forward to building on the close relationship between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Glamorgan Cricket, which will provide so many opportunities for students in the years to come. What’s amazed me over the years and people I have met from Asia who have passed out of Cardiff Metropolitan University.
“I remember fondly my time spent in Cardiff. It was certainly an enjoyable time in my life and I’m forever grateful to the support of the team at Glamorgan and the wider Welsh public who supported me.”
Shastri celebrated his achievement alongside his wife, Ritu, and daughter Alekha, several of his former playing colleagues at Glamorgan, and broadcasting colleague, former Glamorgan medium-paced bowler Alan Wilkins – now an international cricket broadcaster, commentator and writer.
Alan said: “Ravi and I have been great friends over many years and I was very pleased to play a part in bringing him and Cardiff Metropolitan University together – a relationship that I’m sure will reap rewards for the future of our sport. I feel hugely privileged to celebrate this richly deserved honour with him and his family.”
