In the world of sports, very few athletes are honoured beyond the boundaries of their game. But among all cricketers in history, only one has ever had his face printed on a currency note.
Who is the only cricketer on a currency Note?
That rare honour belongs to Frank Worrell, a legendary West Indian captain who was admired not just for his cricketing skills but also for his remarkable character.
Frank Worrell was born in Barbados and went on to become one of the most respected figures in cricket. He was known for his calm leadership, sportsmanship, and the way he treated everyone with kindness, whether they were teammates or opponents. Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 42.
While his statistics may not match the towering records of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, or Sir Don Bradman, his grace and generosity set him apart.
The Day Frank Worrell Saved a Life
One story perfectly sums up who he was. In 1962, during India’s tour of the West Indies, Indian captain Nari Contractor was struck on the head in a match and seriously injured. He was rushed to the hospital, and the doctors urgently needed blood. Without a second thought, Frank stepped forward and donated his blood, an act that helped save Contractor’s life.
Read More
The Central Bank of Barbados later honoured Worrell by placing his portrait on their currency, making him the only cricketer ever to receive such a tribute. Over his career, he played 51 Test matches for the West Indies, scoring 3,860 runs at an average of 49.48 and taking 69 wickets with an economy rate of 2.24. He also played 208 First-Class matches for Barbados and Jamaica.
What truly made Frank Worrell unforgettable was not just his talent with bat and ball but the dignity, respect, and warmth he showed to everyone around him. Many players who shared the field with him have spoken of his grace and how he won people’s hearts, both on and off the pitch.
ALSO READ: “He Stands Alone”: Ahmed Shehzad On Why Babar Azam Can’t Match Virat Kohli
