A Legacy on the Cricket Field
In a quiet corner of Manchester, under an overcast grey sky, a game of club cricket was taking place. The setting was simple, yet it held a special charm as Farokh Engineer, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, watched from the small pavilion. He was in the company of Dilip Vengsarkar, a former India cricketer, and some old friends who lived nearby. The two sat on a bench, observing the game closely while exchanging greetings. At one point, Engineer exclaimed, “Shot!” when one of Vengsarkar’s trainees hit the ball straight over the bowler’s head.
For Engineer, this was more than just a game of cricket—it was a chance to reconnect with old friends and relive memories. The Urmston Sports Club, where he often visits, is close to his home, making it a convenient spot for him to meet people from his past. During the conversation, a familiar voice called out—“Yakub bhai.” Engineer had a surprise ready: a small bat signed by Sachin Tendulkar, Jasprit Bumrah, and other prominent cricketers. “I was at Lord’s when the portrait was unveiled. I met Sachin and his wife Anjali. What a lovely family,” he recalled with a smile.
Engineer shared a heartwarming story about his interactions with Tendulkar. It dates back to 1990 when the Indian team, led by Mohammad Azharuddin, was in England for the second Test. As the former India stumper, Engineer organized a barbecue for the players. He still remembers how Tendulkar sat on a swing in his backyard with his two daughters, legs dangling in the air. “Before he got his first 100, we had a barbecue at my house. Sachin was there with my daughters. I joked with him the other day—he still hasn’t grown much taller,” he said with a laugh.
While times have changed, Engineer remains deeply connected to his roots. Although he has lived in England for many years, his heart still beats for India. He expresses a longing for the days when Indian cricketers would visit his home and spend quality time together. “Those days are gone. I don’t even know who the manager is these days. But my house is always open for any Indian cricketer or any Indian person. I miss India big time,” he said.
Despite the changes, Engineer continues to enjoy conversations with his friend Dilip Vengsarkar, who is currently traveling with his academy’s team. Their chats are filled with wit, humor, and classic one-liners. Even as the conversation winds down, Engineer assures his companion that he’ll be done in five minutes—but the jokes are far from over.
At 87, it’s hard for Engineer to step away from cricket. For him, it’s now more of a social event—a chance to watch, meet friends, and reminisce about the golden days. His eyes light up when he recalls the time spent with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and even Mick Jagger at Lord’s. He is eagerly looking forward to meeting familiar faces at Old Trafford soon.
Whether it’s through cricket, stories, or laughter, Engineer continues to keep the spirit of the game alive.
