Published: January 13, 2026 at 10:04 pm
Cricket and MV Narasimha Rao, called Bobjee in Hyderabad and Bobby Rao in Ireland, have been inseparable friends. The 71-year-old Rao still has the same passion for the game as he had when he was playing on the field. Age has not dimmed his love for the game nor his enthusiasm to help budding cricketers.
On Friday in Belfast, Rao was presented with the MRANI Lifetime Achievement for services to cricket and community work in Northern Ireland. “Cricket has been a huge part of that journey. For me, cricket was never just about the game it was about teamwork, respect, and bringing people together,” Rao said at the function and added that it meant a great deal to him to be recognised by an organisation that celebrates diversity, inclusion and community spirit.
“Those values have shaped my life and everything I’ve tried to give back over the years,” he stated. “Through cricket, friendships were formed, cultures were shared, and a sense of belonging was created both on and off the pitch. I’ve been fortunate to be part of a sport that connects generations and communities in such a powerful way,” he added.
Community service has been close to his heart, as close as cricket. In December 2012, Rao became the first Indian cricketer to be appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution for promoting cricket and also for community service through cricket during the testing times faced by the ethnic community in Northern Ireland.
“Equally important has been the opportunity to become involved in the wider community. I’ve always believed that when people support one another and work together, barriers can be broken and lasting change can happen,” he said on Friday.
“Any contribution I’ve made has only been possible because of the encouragement and support of so many others. This award is not mine alone. It belongs to my family, who have stood by me every step of the way, to my friends, teammates, and colleagues, and to the community who welcomed me, trusted me, and allowed me to play a small role in its story,” Rao said.
“My special thanks to all the members of Strabane Ethnic Community Association for their support. If anything, I have done through cricket or community work has helped someone feel included, inspired, or valued then that is something that I am deeply proud of,” the soft-spoken cricketer said. “Finally, I want to thank Minority Recognition Awards Northern Ireland for this honour,” he said.
M V Narasimha Rao being presented with the MRANI Lifetime Achievement in Belfast on Friday. Also seen are Diane Davis, founder of MRANI, Gillian McCandless, Regional Engagement Manager, Ulster Bank, and Josephine Rao (left), wife of Narasimha Rao
It was one of the quirks of the game that Rao, despite having a solid First-class career, was not able to make the transition to international cricket as he played only four Test matches for India but as a coach, he has been very influential.
Rao played for India between 1978 and 1979 but was unable to cement his place in the side. He was first picked to play against the West Indies but after two tests he was dropped. He was brought back the following season for the series against Kim Hughes’ Australian team but again discarded after two Tests.
Narasimha Rao played a crucial knock for India in his last Test
In his last game for India which was played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Rao played a crucial knock that saved India from defeat. India needed 247 to win on the last day and at one point were struggling with four wickets down for 123. Batters like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, GR Vishwanath, and Chetan Chauha were already back in the pavilion. But Rao provided a match-saving partnership with Yashpal Sharma, who scored an unbeaten 85. Rao had made an unbeaten 20 and India ended up with a score of 200 for 4 to draw the Test. He also had eight catches in those four Tests.
But he was a First-class champion and scored 4,124 runs at an average of 47.40 and took 218 wickets with his leg breaks. He led Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy from 1977-78 to 1987-88. In 1986-87, he led Hyderabad to their second Ranji Trophy title.
After retiring from the game, Rao, along with K John Manoj and V Manohar, set up the St Johns Cricket Academy which produced many stars like VVS Laxman, MSK Prasad, Mithali Raj, Hanuma Vihari and Tarun Nethula, who played for New Zealand.
Rao, who had settled down in Ireland, returned to competitive international cricket albeit as an assistant coach of the Ireland cricket team for the 2011 ICC World Cup.
Rao also worked as the Director of the HCA’s Academy of Excellence for some time. This was the period when an unknown fast bowler called Mohammed Siraj came to the fore. Rao was one of those who helped him out at the HCAE.
