The Brabourne stadium and indeed the very inception of CCI, would have been unlikely without the support of the then Governor of Bombay Lord Brabourne. He granted land for the construction of the stadium at preferential rates and took a keen personal interest in its making. However, soon after the start of the project, he had to leave the city to assume his new role as Governor of Bengal and was therefore unable to be present at the inauguration of the stadium. Unfortunately, Lord Brabourne died suddenly in 1939 and did not get an opportunity to see the completion of the project so dear to him.
Grant Govan
Grant Govan was the head of Govan Bros, a Delhi-based firm. Along with the Maharaja of Patiala and Anthony S. de Mello, he laid the foundations for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and subsequently, the formations of the Cricket Club of India. It was Govan who first espoused the cause for India to be granted Test status in international cricket. The formation of CCI and the Brabourne Stadium was perhaps the pinnacle of his cricket-related initiatives. Grant Govan was the first President of CCI.
Anthony S. de Mello
His contribution to Indian sport, specifically Indian cricket, can never be overstated. Anthony S. de Mello, apart from being one of the principal founders of BCCI and CCI, also conceived a national championship for cricket, which eventually became the Ranji Trophy. He contributed to the organization of the first Asian Games in Delhi in 1951. It was mostly due to Anthony S. de Mello’s tireless efforts and perseverance that negotiations with Governor Brabourne were successful.
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala
In addition to the stellar role played by the Maharaja in the formation of CCI, he made a munificent donation to tackle the financial crisis that arose shortly after the stadium was constructed. Furthermore, he left no stone unturned to enlist the support of his fellow royals. Despite his failing health, the Maharaja took keen interest in club matters. His portrait finds pride of place in the CCI lobby and the pavilion named after him is famously related with the club whenever a mention is made of it.
Sir Nowroji Saklatvala
Former Chairman of the CCI, Sir Nowroji Saklatvala enjoyed an association of over 40 years with India’s reputed business house - the Tatas. His remarkable business acumen came as a savior for CCI in the hard days immediately after the construction of the club-house and stadium. Saklatvala’s solid business plans helped the club avail extended credit until it passed the difficult period and got control over its finances. Saklatvala was also responsible for securing generous donation from the Tatas toward the construction of the club-house.
A.A. Jasdenvala
Abubhai Jasdenvala took over the responsibilities of the day to day administration of the club in 1938, after Anthony de Mello’s exit. Abubhai steered the club in the direction of solidity and stability, immediately after the adventurous and hectic phase that saw the club coming into its existence. He went on to become the President of CCI, a fitting honour to his magnificent contributions.
Frank Tarrant
This multi-faceted Australian played first-class cricket in Australia, England and India and was the coach of the Indian team that played its first ever Test series in England. He was also umpire in two of the Tests played against Jardine’s visiting English team in 1933. His status as one of the founders of CCI is largely earned because he successfully accomplished the task of creating a cricket turf out of marsh land in just 18 months despite the two monsoons in between.
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