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Former England cricket stars Stuart Broad and Marcus Trescothick have been acknowledged in the New Year’s Honours List for their significant contributions to the sport. Broad, 37, retired earlier this year with a remarkable 604 Test wickets to his credit, receiving the Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his exceptional service to cricket.
Among the all-time highest Test wicket-takers, Broad stands fifth and is one of only two fast bowlers with over 600 wickets, alongside his long-time bowling partner Anderson. Besides his Test success, he also secured 178 wickets in 121 ODIs and 65 wickets in 56 T20Is since his debut in August 2006.
His retirement was a high note, marked by hitting a six on his final ball and clinching the last wicket in England’s fifth Test triumph in the Men’s Ashes at The Oval, leading to a 2-2 series draw. This achievement earned him the second place in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
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Expressing his gratitude, Broad shared, “All I ever wanted to do was play cricket, and to have had the career that I was able to enjoy and to receive honours like this is incredibly special. I’m very proud that my contributions to cricket have been recognised, and it means a lot to me and my family.”
Trescothick, 48, a former successful opening batter for England and currently serving as the men’s team lead batting coach, was awarded an Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his remarkable work as a mental health ambassador.
Receiving the OBE, Trescothick remarked, “It’s a huge honour to have been awarded an OBE. I’ve always wanted to let people know my story and to try and raise awareness to help anyone who may be struggling with poor mental health alongside the Professional Cricketers’ Association, so recognition of that work means a lot.”
Both Broad and Trescothick are witnessing upgrades in their current honours. Trescothick received an MBE in 2005 when England Men triumphantly reclaimed the Ashes, while Broad was initially awarded an MBE in 2017. Additionally, Robin Varley, Patricia Gaywood, Duncan Holden, and Robert Nellies have also received New Year’s honours for their outstanding service to cricket.
Richard Thompson, Chair of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed his delight, saying, “As a whole game, we’re absolutely delighted to see Stuart and Marcus honoured in this way. They have been fantastic ambassadors for cricket for many years, and they have played a major role in helping build the profile of our game and in turn bringing more people into our sport.”
Thompson also praised Broad as an inspirational figure and a true great of English cricket, highlighting the significance of Trescothick’s recognition for both on-field achievements and bravery in addressing mental health challenges, which has positively impacted many individuals within and beyond the cricketing community.
He concluded, “I would also like to pay tribute to all those hard-working people who have been honoured for their work in cricket. I am delighted to be able to share with them my warmest congratulations, on behalf of everyone in our game.”
-IANS
