In the fall of 2005, the Cricket Hall of Fame held it's annual Induction Ceremony, which included the recognition of Barbados native Barbara P. Lindo. Best known for her work in the community of Hartford and other outstanding contributions to the sport of cricket, Lindo became the first woman to be inducted in the Cricket Hall of Fame. In addition, this honor will also mark the first occasion that a husband and wife team will be in the Cricket Hall of Fame. Lindo's husband, Cyrus, was an earlier inductee.
The location for the historical ceremony was the Marriott Hotel, Adriaen's Landing in downtown Hartford. On October 1, 2005, an impressive list of former international cricket stars were inducted in addition to Lindo. Among them, the former West Indies fast bowler, Andy Roberts and Indian leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar. Roberts is known for being a very intelligent cricketer and, during one point in his career, set the then-record for being the quickest cricketer as he took less than two and a half years to reach 100 Test wickets. Chandrasekhar, on the other hand, remains India's largest match winner overseas with 42 wickets in only five tests. Unpredictable at times, it is said that no other cricketer was more likely to deliver an unplayable ball. In addition, popular West Indian cricket journalist Tony Becca joined the hall. Becca recently retired as Sports Editor for the Gleaner newspaper and is one of the most celebrated writers in the Carribean region.
Two other cricket personalities, Alvin ?Al? Watson of Hartford/Florida and Carlyle Miller of New York was also inducted for outstanding contributions to the sport of cricket in the United States.
In every sport, just as with cricket, the Hall of Fame serves as a permanent structure used to celebrate the accomplishments of the sport's most outstanding players and contributors. Often a popular tourist attraction, Halls of Fame are known for both their historic value, many photo opportunities and a place for fans to gather as their favorite cricket legends are forever inducted into history.
As females continue their increasing participation in sports and in history, Barbara P. Lindo achieved yet another milestone in the world of cricket and history in general. Her induction marks a precedent that will be set for other women who need encouragement and will find that in Lindo's accomplishments and recognition.
Each year, the Cricket Hall of Fame works diligently in order to provide a program that is both reach in quality and in entertainment. Supporters are certain to once again be treated to a program filled with excitement, entertainment and enlightenment. Anyone interested in attending this year's Induction Ceremony or for questions regarding the organization are urged to contact the Cricket Hall of Fame at 860-246-5400. Fans and supporters are invited to call with their questions regarding the Cricket Hall of Fame, it's induction process or ticket information for upcoming events. Additionally, any events that take place throughout the year will be accessible by calling the telephone number noted above.
First Hall Of Fame
In February 1981, the Sportsmen's Athletic Club, located in Hartford, Connecticut, envisioned the launch of the first Cricket Hall of Fame in the world. After a number of failed attempts, the Cricket Hall of Fame became a reality through an in-house development from the Sportsmen's Athletic Club.
In October 1981, the first annual Cricket Hall of Fame induction dinner was held at the Hartford Holiday Inn Hotel. The event was popular and possessed an air of festivity. The inaugural inductees were James Gabriel, John Law, Lloyd Walford, Alfred valentine, Lance Gibbs and Wesley Hall.
Through the years, the Cricket Hall of Fame has earned the respect of both players and fans. A decision to move the induction ceremony to New York resulted in a loss of interest, which ultimately led to complete inactivity of the Hall of Fame. After five years, a bold effort was launched by Linford Miller in 1997, which restructured the leadership and regained the respect that the Hall had once lost.
Since it's revamping, the Cricket Hall of Fame is now a leader in aiding a number of deserving charities. Among them, a contribution of more than 400,000 surgical gloves for healthcare workers who were treating AIDS patients in Jamaica. In 2000, the Humanitarian awards ceremony raised funds for the Boys' Town project and Boy Scouts movement in Jamaica, as well as a youth Hotline in Barbados, a Children's Home in St. Lucia and Alvin Kallicharan Foundation in Guyana.
Today, the Cricket Hall of Fame is getting closer to realizing a longtime dream of becoming a museum. This is expected to significantly add to the many tourist attractions, which are already present in the city of Hartford. Thanks to the focused direction of new management, the Cricket Hall of Fame is now housed in more spacious quarters, but still in the same location, and is presently under further renovation.
Area individuals who are members of the cricketing community or athletics, who may have special or rare books, photographs, cricket memorabilia, artifacts, films or other collectibles of historic significance are asked to consider donating their items to the Cricket Hall of Fame. For additional information on the process of making donations or for questions regarding ticket purchases for upcoming induction ceremonies, individuals are urged to contact the Cricket Hall of Fame directly or stop by their headquarters at 3000 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut.
Hartford's Cricket Hall of Fame is a division of the Sportsmen's Athletic Club. After years of continued support from both the community, athletes and cricket fans worldwide, the Hall of Fame continues to thrive and will offer fans the opportunity to view rare collectibles in person or attend an induction ceremony. If you are a cricket fan, the Cricket Hall of Fame is a must-see.