Sir Frank Worrell: a phenomenon both on and off field
In this image are two legendary cricketers who have deep-rooted ties to Kolkata’s historic cricket stadium, the Eden Gardens, where this photo was taken. One is, of course, Sourav Ganguly — fondly celebrated as ‘The Prince of Kolkata’ and the other is Ganguly’s West Indian predecessor, Sir Frank Worrell, still revered in this part of the world.
Sir Frank Worrell, former West Indies captain, played Test cricket from 1948 to 1963. For the last 45 years, the Cricket Association of Bengal has marked its foundation day as ‘Sir Frank Worrell Day’ and organized a blood donation camp at the Eden Gardens. But why?
Kolkata and Worrell: a bond of kindness
The story dates back to March 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, India’s then captain — Nari Contractor suffered a life-threatening blow.
Back then, helmets in cricket weren’t a thing. Contractor was facing Charlie Griffith — regarded as one of the fastest bowlers of the time. The Indian skipper got hit just above the right ear, went down on his haunches and observed blood coming out of his nose and mouth.
Contractor was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he battled for his life through two critical surgeries that lasted 16 hours. He lost a lot of blood in the process. Contractor’s teammates who had a matching blood group donated blood for him. From the West Indies camp, their captain Frank Worrell volunteered too.
Worrell’s generosity made him immortal. “Worrell's gesture, coming from the opposition, showed the game transcended boundaries”, said India all-rounder Chandu Borde. Contractor survived and played cricket for another 5 years, though never again a Test match for India.
Since 1981, ‘Sir Frank Worrell Day’ has been observed every year on February 3 and nearly 2000 people donate blood at the camp organized at the Eden Gardens.
Ironically, Worrell never played a Test match at the Eden Gardens and yet, his name is now etched into the lore of this iconic venue.
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