Knighted Cricketers

By Author: ram kausik
Total Articles: 126
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English are a traditional lot, adhering to their version of medieval chivalry and customs even to the brink of the modern century. Their sense of culture and social distinction is not limited to minding their ‘Ps and Qs’, but it extends to the very underlying principles of their foundation and values. The Queen might have lost most of her powers with the dawn of the parliament, but the fact that she can transform a mere peasant into the ranks of a knight is still a prestigious affair.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is such an esteemed honor that dates back to the time of King George V. It is an order of chivalry that is divided into five classes pertaining to civil and military. The highest level of this order is Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross, followed by Knight Commander or Dame Commander, Commander, Officer and finally the Member. Only the most worthy make it to the very top, but a few elite are bestowed with the MBE; even the likes of cricketers are included in the list. Top of the class cricketers such as Alastair Cook and Jack Birkenshaw are Members of the order of the British Empire. ...
... Below are lists of cricketers who have had the privilege to be honored with such titles:

Jack Birkenshaw is a former cricketer who later became an umpire and then worked as a coach. He is often referred to a quintessential all round cricketer. For his excellent services in cricket, he was appointed as an MBE in the 2011 Birthday Honours.

Alastair Cook profile is one for the history books. Scoring a thousand runs in his very first year, he went on to set the record for the youngest Englishman to reach 5,000 Test runs. Besides being an ace cricketer, he is also a decent columnist featuring in the Daily Telegraph and Metro.

Andrew Strauss is another British player whose impressive career graph earned him the Order of the British Empire title in 2011. A brilliant Captain, he has recorded an astounding tally of hundred test appearances.

Stephen Paul Fleming is a former New Zealand cricketer who on many occasions has garnered praises regarding his stellar captaincy. He is known as one of the greatest captains in the world. He is a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Daniel Luca Vettori is noted for being the eighth player in history to take 300 wickets and score 3,000 runs. He has also received the New Zealand Order of Merit.