Cricket legend Shastri honoured by Cardiff Met

Former India and Glamorgan all-rounder Ravi Shastri has been made an honorary fellow by Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The award was presented at a special event at Glamorgan’s Sophia Gardens ground and recognised Shastri’s contribution to cricket as a world-class player, coach and commentator during a career spanning more than 40 years.

“It is a great honour,” said Shastri. “It is something I never imagined when I played here long ago that would happen.

“I enjoyed my time playing for Glamorgan here in Cardiff and it is a pleasure to be back.”

Shastri, 62, played for India between 1981 and 1992 and performed a pivotal role in their 1983 World Cup victory.

He is one of only five players in the history of the Test game to have completed the hat-trick of scoring 3,000 runs, taking 150 wickets and compiling 10 centuries.

Shastri was the first Indian batter to hit six sixes in an over when he completed the feat for Mumbai against Baroda in the 1985-86 Ranji Trophy season.

He joined Glamorgan in 1987 and spent four seasons in Wales. In 1988, he played a key role in the team’s run to the semi-finals of the Benson & Hedges Cup.

After retiring from international cricket, Shastri transitioned into a successful career as a commentator.

He was also a Unicef ambassador for a decade, championing the ‘Pulse-Polio’ campaign until India eventually eradicated polio.

In 2017, he became India’s head coach, guiding the team to an historic Test series win in Australia that led to them becoming the number one team in the world.

‘Reap future rewards’

Shastri celebrated his achievement alongside his wife, Ritu, and daughter Alekha, and several of his former playing colleagues at Glamorgan including his former captain Hugh Morris.

Ex-Glamorgan captain Tony Lewis, who persuaded Shastri to sign for the Welsh county, was also in attendance, alongside current club president Alan Wilkins who has commentated alongside Shastri.

“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,” said Wilkins.

“It is a relationship I’m sure will reap rewards for the future of our sport.

“I feel privileged to celebrate this richly deserved honour with him and his family.”