Sachin Tendulkar’s Portrait Unveiled at Lord’s Pavilion: “A Great Honour”
London, July 10 – Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was bestowed with a rare and emotional honour on Thursday as his portrait was unveiled at the historic MCC Museum at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The ceremony took place ahead of the third Test between India and England, making the moment even more memorable for Indian fans and cricket lovers worldwide.
Speaking at the unveiling, Tendulkar said, “In 1983, I was inspired to pursue cricket after seeing Kapil Dev lift the World Cup trophy at Lord’s. To now see my portrait placed in the very same pavilion is a deeply humbling and proud moment for me.”
The striking portrait was painted by renowned British artist Stuart Pearson Wright, who created the piece using reference photographs taken 18 years ago during a visit to Tendulkar’s home in Mumbai. Painted in oil on abraded aluminum, the artwork captures not just the likeness of the ‘Little Champion’, but also symbolizes his tireless journey and immense contribution to the game.
Unlike the earlier portraits of Indian greats like Kapil Dev, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Dilip Vengsarkar, this one was commissioned in a larger format. Pearson Wright explained, “The MCC specifically requested something different for Sachin’s portrait, to reflect his stature and significance in the game. Hence, I opted for a grander scale.”
The portrait will remain on display in the MCC Museum through the end of the year, after which it will be permanently installed in the iconic Lord’s Pavilion – a place considered the spiritual home of cricket.
Thursday’s ceremony was also special as it coincided with Sunil Gavaskar’s 76th birthday, adding another layer of nostalgia and celebration to the day for Indian cricket fans.
Adding to the honour, Tendulkar was invited to ring the historic Lord’s bell ahead of the Test match’s start – a tradition reserved for cricketing royalty.
Reflecting on the occasion, Sachin said, “This moment brings back incredible memories of my career. Seeing my portrait at Lord’s, the very place that sparked my cricketing dream, brings a smile to my face. These are truly priceless moments.”
Opened in 1950, the MCC Museum at Lord’s holds a rich collection of cricketing memorabilia, with over 3,000 works of art including more than 300 portraits of legendary players. Tendulkar’s inclusion now cements his legacy among the all-time greats in the most fitting of cricketing sanctuaries.