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The Cardiff Metropolitan University awarded former India captain Ravi Shastri with an Honorary Fellowship on Thursday, August 1. The award recognized Shastri's "unparalleled contribution to cricket" as a player, coach, and broadcaster in his 40-year-long and continuing career in the sport.
One of India's greatest-ever all-rounder and an iconic commentator, Shastri also had a cricketing connection to Cardiff. He played for Glamorgan for four years from 1987, also winning the leading six-hitter award for the Sunday League of 1988.
“I feel humbled and honoured to be awarded a fellowship at this great institution and I look forward to building on the close relationship between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Glamorgan Cricket, which will provide so many opportunities for students in the years to come," Shastri said in a statement. "What’s amazed me over the years and people I have met from Asia who have passed out of Cardiff Metropolitan University."
"I remember fondly my time spent in Cardiff. It was certainly an enjoyable time in my life and I’m forever grateful to the support of the team at Glamorgan and the wider Welsh public who supported me,” he added.
Shastri's wife Ritu, daughter Alekha, and several of his former teammates at Glamorgan were also present for the felicitation. Alan Wilkins, former Glamorgan bowler and Shastri's broadcasting colleague, who played a part in bringing the Indian to the University, was also present.
"We’re delighted" - Vice Chancellor on bestowing Ravi Shastri with the reward
Professor Sheldon Hanton the Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University said he was ecstatic to recognize Shastri's contribution to Cardiff and the cricketing world.
“Loved by cricket fans throughout the world, Ravi’s journey from a celebrated cricketer to a respected coach and commentator underscores his incredible impact on Indian and international cricket," he said in his statement. "His impact and his legacy has also long been felt right here in Cardiff. We’re delighted to be able to recognise his contribution to our city and to cricket with an Honorary Fellowship, with this event marking an important milestone in our shared commitment to shaping the future of the sport."
Hanton added that Shastri will inspire the students taking sports coaching and broadcasting degrees at the university.
