Most stadiums in the West Indies are named after legends, but why are there none in India?

By K.R. Nayar
From Providence, Guyana

Whether in Barbados, St. Lucia, or Guyana, it is impressive how former cricket legends are remembered here. It is not only pavilions in the stadiums that are named after them, but the streets and roundabouts too carry their names. There are stadiums named after Viv Richards, Brian Lara, and Darren Sammy.  This got me thinking as to why in India, where cricket is said to be a religion, there is no stadium named after Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, or Kapil Dev.

Being with the legendary Clive Lloyd is always a joy

In Barbados, the number of roundabouts named after cricketers is remarkable. One has to pass the Gary Sobers, Frank Worrell, and Clyde Walcott roundabouts to reach the stadium. In Guyana, where India will meet England in the second semi-final, there are streets named after Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

It feels special to pass a street named after Lloyd, with whom I have had numerous interviews and spent a lot of time over the years. He is such a towering personality, a captain who has lifted the World Cup twice, and the manner in which he gives time to sit down and speak is unforgettable.

Guyana's Providence Stadium - venue for the second semi-final. Photo: ICC

Just as one remembers the Sharjah Stadium for Sachin Tendulkar’s sandstorm knock and the Wankhede Stadium for India’s World Cup triumph in 2011, the stadium in Guyana reminds everyone of Lasith Malinga’s spell of four wickets in four balls against South Africa during the 2007 World Cup. This stadium was built for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2007. To witness live that unbelievable spell from Malinga and South Africa still going on to win by one wicket is something I can never forget.

Most cricket fans in Guyana enjoy watching matches sitting on the grass mounds, though there are three major stands. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, they do not like to sit idle during the match and keep dancing or playing drums, and secondly, these tickets are the cheapest.

Catchy headline in Stabroek News on Australia's exit 

Stabroek News is one of the leading newspapers in Guyana. They report cricket extensively, and their headline on Australia’s exit was “Afghanistan beats Bangladesh to reach semi-finals, Australia go home.” A Twitter post by a fan showed a plaster dated 24th June being fixed over a wound dated November 19, 2023, when India lost to Australia in the World Cup final.

A twitter post from a fan after India's win over Australia 

A fan had an interesting suggestion regarding Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka not living up to their reputation: “Let us make each of them play a series against Afghanistan and the USA and see if there is any improvement in their game,” he quipped.

The notice at Massy Stores - matter of fact 

Most public instructions here are very blunt and interesting. For example, for ‘no waiting’ in certain areas, it says, “not even five minutes but not at all.” In the popular Massy Stores, there was a sign saying ‘no loitering inside the supermarket’. It literally said, “buy and leave,” including not to come in barefoot.