Farokh Engineer, a name that resonates with cricketing excellence and charm, is a celebrated figure in the annals of Indian and international cricket. Born on February 25, 1938, in Bombay, into a Parsi family, Engineer’s cricketing journey is a tale of skill, determination, and flair. Renowned as a wicket-keeper-batsman, he donned the Indian jersey in 46 Test matches from 1961 to 1975 and was a formidable force in first-class cricket, representing Bombay, West Zone, and Lancashire County Cricket Club.
His cricketing prowess extended beyond national boundaries, earning him a place as the first-choice wicket-keeper for the Rest of the World team that toured England in 1970 and Australia in 1971–72. Engineer’s style, marked by aggression and grace, both as a batsman and behind the stumps, made him a fan favorite. His journey from the cricketing fields of Bombay to the international stage and ultimately to Lancashire is a story of passion, discipline, and remarkable talent.
Farokh Engineer Batting Career Stats
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 46 | 87 | 3 | 2611 | 121 | 31.08 | 1901 | 137.35 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 288 | 2 |
| ODI | 5 | 4 | 1 | 114 | 54 | 38.0 | 195 | 58.46 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs England at Green Park, Dec 01, 1961
Last Test vs West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, Jan 23, 1975
ODI debut vs England at Headingley, Jul 13, 1974
Last ODI vs New Zealand at Emirates Old Trafford, Jun 14, 1975
Biography of Farokh Engineer
Farokh Engineer, born into a Parsi family in Bombay on February 25, 1938, embarked on a journey that intertwined his academic pursuits with his growing love for cricket. His father, a doctor, and his mother, a housewife, laid the foundation for his educational and sporting endeavors. Engineer attended Don Bosco High School in Matunga and later Podar College, where his cricketing skills began to flourish. While studying at the University of Bombay, he played for both the university team and the Indian Universities team, balancing his academic responsibilities with his burgeoning cricket career. He joined the Bombay cricket team in 1959, continuing to represent the universities until the early 1960s.
Growing up, Engineer was inspired by his father, an avid tennis player and club cricketer, and his older brother, Darius, who also played club cricket. Despite an early interest in becoming a pilot and even qualifying for a private pilot’s license, Engineer’s focus eventually shifted entirely to cricket, influenced by family dynamics and personal inclinations. His passion for the sport was further ignited by an encounter with Denis Compton at the Brabourne Stadium, where a young Engineer’s enthusiasm caught the attention of the cricketing legend. This moment, coupled with his involvement in the Dadar Parsi Colony Sporting Club, where he honed his cricketing skills, set the stage for Engineer’s illustrious cricket career.
Career Journey from Test Debut to Post Retirement
Farokh Engineer’s cricket career, spanning from his Test debut in the early 1960s to his retirement in the mid-1970s, reflects a significant period in the history of cricket. Engineer’s contribution to both Indian and English cricket, specifically Lancashire County Cricket Club, is noteworthy for its impact and the style he brought to the game.
Test Career with India Farokh Engineer’s journey in international cricket began in the 1961/62 season, marking his debut in Test cricket for India. Over his career, he participated in 46 Test matches until the 1974/75 season. His performance as a batsman was remarkable, as evidenced by his 2,611 runs, which included two centuries with a highest score of 121. His role was not limited to batting; as a wicketkeeper, he was responsible for 66 catches and 16 stumpings. This dual role underscored his versatility and skill in the sport. His brief One Day International (ODI) career, consisting of five matches all in the 1974/75 season, further highlighted his adaptability to different formats of the game.
Tenure at Lancashire In 1968, a pivotal year in English cricket history due to the inclusion of overseas players in county clubs, Engineer joined Lancashire. His tenure at Lancashire, alongside the legendary West Indies batsman Clive Lloyd, was a period of transformation for the club. Lancashire, which had not claimed a major honour since 1950, witnessed a resurgence. With Engineer and Lloyd, the team excelled in limited overs cricket, securing the Gillette Cup four times and the John Player League twice. Engineer’s style of play, characterized by aggression yet marked by consideration and courtesy, contributed significantly to this success.
Farokh Engineer’s selection as the wicket-keeper for the Rest of the World team in 1970, captained by Garfield Sobers, for the unofficial Tests against England, further attests to his skills and reputation in the cricketing world. His continued involvement in the Rest of the World cricket team, including the series in Australia in 1971-72, demonstrates his international acclaim.
Post-retirement, Engineer’s life in Manchester, where he chose to settle, was marked by his continued connection with Lancashire. His testimonial in 1976, which raised a significant sum, along with his later role as a vice-president of the club, reflect the deep bonds he formed during his playing career.
Personal Life
Farokh Engineer’s life outside the cricket pitch is as fascinating as his cricketing career. Born into a Parsi family in Bombay on February 25, 1938, he was influenced by his family’s sporting background. His father, Manecksha, was a club cricketer and played tennis, while his older brother, Darius, also played cricket at the club level, inspiring Farokh to pursue the sport.
Engineer’s early aspirations were in aviation; he was passionate about flying from his childhood and even qualified for a private pilot’s license. However, his mother’s concerns about his safety led him to focus more on cricket. Interestingly, during his school days, he was classmates with famous Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor.
Engineer’s cricketing journey started at the Dadar Parsi Colony Sporting Club, where he honed his skills. His first significant innings was against the West Indies in 1967 at Chepauk Stadium, Chennai, described as his ‘finest hours’ in John Cantrell’s book ‘Farokh Engineer: From the Far Pavilion’. This performance helped cement his place in the Indian team.
In 1968, Engineer moved to Lancashire and became an integral part of the team. He played a major role in India’s first-ever victory in New Zealand, scoring 300 runs at an average of 40.12 in the four-match series. His successful stint in international cricket attracted commercial brands, and he became the brand ambassador for Brylcream in 1965.
Post-retirement, Engineer settled in Lancashire and became a vice-president of the Lancashire County Cricket Club. He has remained connected to the place, having a house in Timperley, a suburb of South Manchester, and considering it his second home.
Throughout his life, Engineer has been recognized for his contributions to cricket, receiving various awards and honors, including the Indian Cricketer of the Year in 1965, the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1973, and the Ceat Lifetime Achievement award in 2018.
Engineer’s life, both on and off the field, has been marked by his fun-loving nature, as noted by famous commentator John Arlott, who described him as someone who finds both cricket and life fun, laughs easily, and is full of jokes but can also be grave when needed.
Conclusion
Farokh Engineer’s legacy in the world of cricket is not just about the runs he scored or the catches he took; it is about the indelible mark he left on the sport. His journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Bombay to an international cricket star and a cherished member of the Lancashire County Cricket Club speaks volumes about his dedication, skill, and charisma. Engineer was not just a player; he was an entertainer, a trendsetter, and a role model for many aspiring cricketers. His aggressive style of play, combined with his sportsmanship and off-field demeanor, set a standard for future generations of cricketers.
As we look back at Farokh Engineer’s career, it becomes clear that his impact goes beyond statistics. He was a bridge between two cricketing cultures, bringing his flair and expertise from the Indian subcontinent to the English county scene. His life, both on and off the field, is a testament to his adaptability, passion for the game, and his ability to inspire. Engineer’s story is not just about cricket; it is about the spirit of the game, the joy it brings, and the lives it touches. His legacy continues to inspire and will be remembered as an integral chapter in the history of cricket.