On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in a historic moment for cricket and Parsi legacy, Old Trafford’s iconic B Stand was officially renamed the Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand, making Engineer the first Indian cricketer to be honoured with a stand name at an overseas ground.
In attendance were 87-year-old Engineer and West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, both celebrated by Lancashire County Cricket Club to commemorate their immense contributions to the club
A Trailblazer on Indian and English Fields
Born 25 February 1938 in Bombay to a Parsi family, Engineer was educated at Don Bosco High School and Podar College. He made his Test debut in December 1961 and represented India in 46 Tests between 1961–1975, amassing 2,611 runs and executing 66 catches along with 16 stumpings .
In 1968, Lancashire signed him as an overseas player alongside Lloyd. Over eight seasons (1968–1976), Engineer transformed Lancashire into a limited-overs powerhouse. In 175 first-class appearances, he scored 5,942 runs, took 429 catches, and made 35 stumpings, helping the county end a 15-year title drought with four Gillette Cups (1970–1972, 1975) and two John Player League titles (1969–1970)
The Stand Naming Ceremony
The unveiling took place just before the toss on Day 1 of the fourth Test—serendipitously aligning with India’s tour of England. Lancashire’s official statement paid homage to their Hall of Fame inductees, Sir Clive Lloyd and Engineer, and welcomed them to reveal the plaque
Engineer, visibly moved, reflected on the honour:
“It is a proud moment not only for me but for India as well… This makes up for not receiving recognition in my own country.”
He also candidly expressed pride tinged with a touch of regret:
“It is a shame that my achievements are not recognised where I played most of my cricket,” referring to the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, where no stand bears his name.
The BCCI, however, did present him the Colonel C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2024, offering some overdue national recognition.
A Life Beyond the Boundary
Engineer, fondly remembered as the “Brylcreem Boy,” became India’s first major celebrity cricketer and product endorser. After retiring, he made Manchester his home, settling there permanently, receiving a testimonial from Lancashire in 1976, and later serving as a vice-president of the club and Hall of Famer.
In recent years, he has spoken of his early struggles with racism in England—teammates mocking his accent. Yet, he swiftly earned their respect with his batting and wicket-keeping prowess .
Why This Honour Resonates
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Pioneering Parsi representation: Engineer remains the last male Parsi to play Test cricket for India, embodying a rich heritage.
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Symbolic acknowledgement abroad: The stand naming underscores how global impact can sometimes precede domestic recognition—and how the Parsi cricketing legacy continues to shine on the world stage.
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Cultural bridge: Engineer’s experiences reflect a journey from Brabourne to Old Trafford, connecting Indian traditions with English cricketing culture.
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Farokh Engineer: First and Dearest – A vivid early portrait celebrating his flair with bat and charm among Lancashire crowds.
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Hall of Fame: Farokh Engineer – Delve into Engineer’s wit, showmanship, and enduring contributions to Indian and world cricket.
Further Reading on Parsi Khabar
In Closing
As the “Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand” takes its place in Old Trafford’s storied landscape, it honours more than runs and dismissals—it honours a life well-lived, a Parsi legacy realised, and a cricketing trailblazer finally given his due.
Further Reading and Sources
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Rediff: Farokh Engineer honoured with stand at Old Trafford (July 23, 2025)
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NDTV Sports: Farokh Engineer fumes over not receiving recognition in India
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India Today: Farokh Engineer, Clive Lloyd honoured with stands at Old Trafford
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NDTV (2021): Farokh Engineer recalls facing racism in England
This story is brought to you by Parsi Khabar, championing the narratives of our community’s icons.