Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @narendramodi
West Indies cricket legends Clive Lloyd, former World Cup-winning captain, batter Alvin Kallicharran, and ex-spinner Devendra Bishoo met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Guyana on Friday.
Following the interaction, Lloyd expressed enthusiasm for opportunities being created for Guyanese players to train in India and praised PM Modi’s interest in cricket. “We had a good discussion. The conversation went very well. I think 11 of our players will now train in India, which is great. We are thankful for that. He is interested in cricket, and that is very encouraging. We need more leaders like him,” Lloyd stated.
A cornerstone of the West Indies’ World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, Lloyd amassed 7,515 runs in 110 Tests at an average of 46.67, with 19 centuries and a highest score of 242*. In ODIs, he scored 1,977 runs in 87 matches at an average of 39.54, including a top score of 102.
Alvin Kallicharran highlighted PM Modi’s deep knowledge of cricket, calling their interaction “tremendous.” He remarked, “Everyone in India knows cricket, but his knowledge is special because he remembers when we toured India. He even knows us by our first names. Meeting the Prime Minister personally is magical. His kindness in supporting young cricketers is remarkable.”
Kallicharran, instrumental in the West Indies’ 1975 and 1979 World Cup victories, scored 4,399 runs in 66 Tests at an average of 44.43, with 12 centuries and a top score of 187. In 31 ODIs, he scored 826 runs, including six fifties, with a best score of 78.
Devendra Bishoo, who represented the West Indies as a spinner from 2011 to 2019, praised PM Modi as “a simple and amazing person.” He shared, “Meeting him for the first time was incredible. The people of Guyana truly appreciate his visit and the time he spent engaging with our culture. His simplicity is a wonderful quality.”
Bishoo played 85 matches across all formats, taking 162 wickets at an average of 37.99, with best figures of 8/49.
PM Modi described his visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years, as “a significant milestone” in strengthening bilateral relations.
He posted on X: “Connecting over cricket! A delightful interaction with leading cricket players of Guyana. The sport has brought our nations closer and deepened our cultural linkages.”
He thanked Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali for the warm hospitality and reflected on his personal connection to the country, recalling his visit 24 years ago as a private citizen.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
