Cricket is not simply just a sport. It has grown into a world-renowned obsession, instilled pride among nations, and united different cultures. As cricket developed from muddy not-so-ritzy village greens in England to international arenas, many iconic people have left their mark on the history of this sport.
Of all these influential people, there is one question that is highly debated by fans and media: Who is the Godfather of Cricket?
In this article, we will uncover the legends who transformed cricket from a gentleman’s game to a global spectacle.
Let’s get started!
Also Read – Who is the Godfather of IPL?
The title “Godfather of Cricket” implies a person who has made an impactful and enduring effect on this sport. In the same way that one would consider a godfather biblically, this person plays the role of a mentor/guardian/pioneer who impacts cricket into what it represents now.
There are some characteristics associated with the godfather of cricket.
This title is not official or anything, it is merely symbolic. However, it carries weight in cricketing cultures, used by fans, journalists, and even players to honor those who have redefined the sport.
We’ve seen many legends in cricket; however, this symbolic title is usually for someone whose influence has gone beyond records and runs. It is reserved for someone who has shaped the game’s spirit, culture, and global reach.
But who is worthy of this title? Let’s explore the history, impact, and legacy of the person most often referred to as the ‘Godfather of Cricket.’
William Gilbert Grace is widely recognized as the first godfather of cricket. He played from 1865 to 1908 and contributed significantly to the early development of the sport. It was a pastime that developed into a sport that is played by billions of people.
Due to his impressive records as an all-rounder, he is considered the founding godfather of cricket. You have to keep in mind that his records came at a time when cricket was not very popularized.
Key Achievements of W.G. Grace
| Record | Achievement |
| First-Class Matches | 870+ appearances |
| First-Class Runs | Over 54,000 runs |
| First-Class Hundreds | 124 centuries |
| Highest Score | 344 |
| First-Class Wickets | Over 2,800 wickets |
| Triple Century Milestone | First to score a triple century in first-class cricket |
He was the first player to score a double of 100 runs and 100 wickets in a season. He popularized over-arm bowling and helped establish fitness and professionalism in cricket.
We all heard about Don Bradman and his exploits on a cricket field. He was truly a genius at work who brought technical mastery to the batting. So, if we are having a conversation on “who is the godfather of cricket,” then it is impossible to not include Don Bradman’s name.
His test average of 99.94 is just unmatched and out of this world. He started his career at 19 and quickly set himself apart with a staggering average and impressive technique. His innovative approach to batting transformed the game and raised the standards for everyone to follow.
Key Achievements of Don Bradman
| Record | Achievement |
| Test Matches | 52 |
| Test Runs | 6,996 |
| Test Batting Average | 99.94 |
| Test Centuries | 29 |
| Double Centuries in Tests | 12 |
| Highest Test Score | 334 vs England (1930) |
| Most Runs in a Test Series | 974 runs in the 1930 Ashes (5 Tests) |
| Fastest to 6,000 Test Runs | Achieved in 45 innings (still a record) |
Don Bradman played and carried the Australian cricket team during the great depression. He also inspired the next generation of Australian cricketers to dream and play with fearlessness. He set the benchmark for mental and technical mastery in batting.
When we think about the player who could bat, bowl, and field, Sir Garfield Sobers’ name comes to mind. He stands tall as one of the best all-rounders of the early modern era. He was a master of all aspects of cricket. Many in the world of cricket consider him a godfather of cricket. He has set some extraordinary standards for all-rounders.
He played his cricket from 1954 to 1974 as a batsman and left-arm spinner. He was a respected athlete worldwide and people still revere him as one of the greats of the gamer of cricket.
Key Achievements of Sir Garfield Sobers
| Record | Achievement |
| Test Matches | 93 |
| Test Runs | 8,032 |
| Test Batting Average | 57.78 |
| Wickets in Tests | 235 |
| Best Batting Score | 335 |
He was the first player to hit six sixes in six balls in first-class cricket. He captained the West Indies for many years with clarity and confidence. He started a revolution of multi-skilled players in the modern era.
Clive Lloyd is a former West Indies cricketer known for his formidable presence and leadership on the field. He was certainly a cricket godfather for the West Indies. Lloyd started his journey in 1966 and quickly became one of the most reliable aspects of West Indies cricket. He was known for his strategic acumen and powerful batting.
Clive Lloyd led West Indies to two ODI Cricket World Cups in 1975 and 1979. He was the central figure in the West Indies team that dominated the world during the 1970s and 1980s.
Key Achievements of Clive Lloyd
| Record | Achievement |
| Test Matches | 110 |
| Test Runs | 7,515 |
| Test Batting Average | 46.67 |
| Centuries | 19 |
He had a great influence on the world of cricket through an emphasis on fitness, teamwork, and aggressive play style. His approach to the game set standards for future generations.
Sunil Gavaskar is one of the Indian cricket legends who taught them to dream big in an era when the West Indies dominated world cricket. The godfather of Indian cricket made his Test debut in 1971 against West Indies and made a solid impact.
His flawless technique and remarkable ability to counter the best bowlers of the era laid the foundation for Indian cricket to achieve great lengths in the time to come. India’s victory in the 1983 World Cup, under the guidance of Sunil Gavaskar, is one of the most memorable moments in cricket history.
Key Achievements of Sunil Gavaskar
| Record | Achievement |
| Test Matches | 125 |
| Test Runs | 10,122 |
| Test Batting Average | 51.12 |
| Centuries | 34 |
| ODI Runs | 3092 |
| Stat | He was the first to cross 10,000 runs in Tests. |
Gavaskar was truly an inspirational player in Indian cricket who revolutionized the idea of an Indian opening batsman. He handled the world’s quickest bowlers without fear, especially the West Indies quicks. He inspired the next generation of cricketers like Tendulkar and Virat.
If you ask, “Who is the godfather of cricket in India?” The answer is – Sachin Tendulkar. He is not just an icon of cricket; he is an emotion. Sachin made his debut in 1989 and played until 2013. Sachin carried the hopes and prayers of more than a billion fans every time he took the field.
He has set many records to his name, including 100 hundred in international cricket. He wasn’t just about the records, he had the will to just bat and bat for hours. He is the highest run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs. Hence, the world knows him as the “god of cricket”.
Key Achievements of Sachin Tendulkar
| Record | Achievement |
| International Matches Played | 664 (200 Tests, 463 ODIs, 1 T20I) |
| Total International Runs | 34,357 |
| International Centuries | 100 (51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs) |
| Most Runs in World Cups | 2,278 runs (6 editions) |
| Highest ODI Score (at the time) | 200 vs South Africa* in 2010 (first double century) |
| First-Class Runs | Over 25,000 |
| Most Man of the Match Awards (ODIs) | 62 |
| Most Man of the Series Awards (ODIs) | 15 |
Sachin changed how Indian cricket was followed and played. He has been an icon for more than a billion cricket fans in India. He has also played across generations with Kapil Dev and Virat Kohli. He helped India lift the ODI World Cup in 2011.
In India, cricket is more than a religion, and the title of godfather of cricket is fiercely debated among fans. Here is the list of players considered for the title.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is considered the godfather of Indian cricket due to his tenacity, longevity, consistency, and sheer dominance. All these things combined make him a living legend in the cricketing world. Beyond all the flashy records, Tendulkar made cricket a household name in India.
Kapil Dev
The 1983 World Cup victory of India under the able captaincy of Kapil Dev changed the perspective of Indian cricket forever. He has been one of the most successful captains in India. Before that, India was not considered a serious cricket nation. After the victory, India gained respect and mass appeal for the sport.
So, who is the godfather of cricket? Well, the answer depends on context, region, and generation. There is not a single person who can be bestowed with this title – there are many contenders. W.G. Grace, Sir Don Brandman, and Sachin Tendulkar are some excellent choices for this title.
It is just a symbolic but significant title that honors those who didn’t just play the game but changed it completely. Whether you like Bradman’s perfection or Sachin’s grace, one thing is certain: cricket would not be what it is today without contributions from these legends.
