In a heartfelt and prestigious tribute to one of Indian cricket’s legendary figures, Sunil Gavaskar was honoured at a special ceremony held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, where he inaugurated a newly dedicated boardroom named “10000 Gavaskar.” This boardroom stands as a permanent reminder of Gavaskar’s historic achievement as the first player in Test cricket to surpass 10,000 runs—a milestone that set new standards of batting excellence and enduring resilience.
The inauguration ceremony was a moment of nostalgia and reverence, attended by top BCCI officials including President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, and Secretary Devajit Saikia. Together, they paid glowing tribute to Gavaskar’s immense contribution to Indian cricket and his indelible legacy on the global stage.
“A tribute to a legend! Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar inaugurates ‘10000 Gavaskar’—a boardroom named to honour his historic milestone—at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai,” the BCCI shared on social media along with a video from the ceremony.
The video captured Gavaskar signing a black-and-white photograph from his playing days, an image that not only invoked nostalgia but also underlined the timeless elegance and discipline that defined his career. The moment was an emotional one for cricket lovers, as the iconic batsman’s legacy was etched into the walls of Indian cricket’s governing body.
Gavaskar’s Emotional Words
Speaking at the ceremony, Gavaskar expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him:
“The MCA has been like a mother to me, and the BCCI like a father. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities Indian cricket has given me to become who I am today. This recognition is truly special, and I sincerely thank the BCCI for this honour. Even at this stage of my life, I remain fully committed—please feel free to call on me whenever needed.”
Gavaskar’s heartfelt speech highlighted his unwavering connection to Indian cricket and his willingness to continue contributing to the game that made him a household name.
A Career that Defined an Era
Sunil Gavaskar, who represented India between 1971 and 1987, is revered as one of the most technically gifted and mentally tough batsmen in cricket history. Debuting against the West Indies, he made an immediate impact by scoring 774 runs in his debut series—a record that still stands. Known for his unshakeable defense and courage against hostile fast bowling—often without a helmet—Gavaskar was a trailblazer.
He was the first batter in Test history to surpass the 10,000-run milestone, reaching the landmark during the 1987 Test in Ahmedabad against Pakistan. Gavaskar finished his illustrious career with 10,122 Test runs, placing him third among India’s all-time highest run-scorers, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
His record of 34 Test centuries was the most by any batsman until it was surpassed by Tendulkar in 2005. Gavaskar’s achievements laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a cricketing powerhouse in the decades that followed.
A Broader Tribute to Cricketing Legends
The “10000 Gavaskar” boardroom is part of a larger BCCI initiative to celebrate Indian cricket legends. Just last week, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla revealed that special rooms at the board’s Mumbai headquarters have been named in honour of both Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.
“Honoured to join the inauguration of the newly dedicated Sachin Tendulkar Room and Sunil Gavaskar Room by @BCCI— a sincere tribute to two legends of Indian cricket, @sachin_rt and #SunilGavaskar. Their legacy inspires generations,” Shukla shared on X.
These gestures are not only symbolic tributes but also aim to keep the legacies of these cricketing giants alive for future generations—players, officials, and fans alike.
Conclusion
By naming a boardroom “10000 Gavaskar”, the BCCI has immortalized a historic milestone and the man who achieved it with unparalleled grace and determination. The honour reflects not just Gavaskar’s runs and records, but the respect he commands across generations of cricketers and fans. As cricket continues to evolve, moments like these ground the sport in its rich history—reminding everyone of the heroes who paved the way.
