Photo Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board
England cricketers Lydia Greenway, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran are among the names recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Greenway, a two-time World Cup winner and four-time Ashes winner who played over 200 times for her country, receives an OBE. Since retiring from playing, the former Kent left-hander has also founded Cricket For Girls.
Rashid, also a two-time World Cup winner, is awarded an MBE, while Sam Curran – Player of the Tournament in England Men’s victorious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign – receives an MBE.
There is also a British Empire Medal for former Northamptonshire CCC scorer Tony Kingston, who retired last year after 32 years of service at the club – a time period across which he missed just 66 overs of cricket.
Lydia Greenway said: “It’s an amazing honour to receive, and I was really surprised to receive it. It’s just a really nice thing to experience. I’ve always tried to enjoy my cricket and share my enjoyment of the game with other people, and I’m very proud to be recognised in this way.”
Adil Rashid said: “It’s nice to get the news and receive recognition for my work in cricket and in the community. I’m proud of the thing I’ve achieved on the field, including two World Cups, but I’ve always wanted to achieve things off the field in my local area. It’s all linked. I am so grateful for the things I have and I know some people don’t have as much as me, so I try to give what I can.”
Sam Curran said: “I was overwhelmed and delighted to be given an MBE. You see people getting these titles but you don’t expect it to be you. It’s an incredibly proud moment, not just for myself but for those who have helped me over the years.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “I would like to congratulate Lydia, Adil, Sam and Tony on behalf of cricket fans across England and Wales.
“They have all dedicated themselves to cricket, and in the cases of Lydia, Adil and Sam, represented our country with distinction on the biggest stage of them all.
“They have all given back to the community, and are tremendous role-models for anyone wishing to pursue a career in our game.”
