Sir James Anderson joins list of 13 famous cricketers who have been knighted
Cricket has long had a reputation as a sport that blends commitment and grit with the weight of tradition.
Over the decades, some of the game’s finest players have captivated fans with their on-field brilliance and earned recognition at the highest levels of public service.
A knighthood, one of the greatest honours bestowed by the British Monarchy or Commonwealth Nations, has been awarded to a select group of cricketers for their exceptional contributions to the game.
In many cases, their charitable work beyond the playing field has contributed to their recognition as having performed the greatest public service.
Last week, Sir James Anderson became the latest cricketer to have his services to the sport recognised with a knighthood.
Let’s take a closer look at some iconic cricketers who have received knighthoods for their service…
13. Sir Donald Bradman
Widely considered the greatest batter in cricket history, the Australia legend, Sir Donald Bradman was knighted in 1949 for services to cricket.
His staggering batting average of 99.94 remains untouched and likely unbeatable. He remains the sole Australian cricketer to receive a knighthood.
12. Sir Garfield Sobers
A gifted all-rounder from Barbados, Sir Garry Sobers could bat, bowl either pace or spin and was exceptional in the field.
He was knighted in 1975 for services to cricket, recognising his dominance in the sport and his status as one of its most complete players.
11. Sir Everton Weekes
A member of the legendary ‘Three Ws’ of West Indian cricket, Sir Everton Weekes was known for his elegant batting and prolific scoring.
He was knighted in 1995 for services to cricket, honouring his role in elevating West Indies cricket during its golden era.
10. Sir Vivian Richards
The prolific West Indies batter from Antigua, Sir Viv Richards was knighted in 1999 for services to cricket.
Renowned for his aggressive and fearless batting style, Richards helped redefine batting in the modern era and led the West Indies with dominance and charisma.
9. Sir Ian Botham (Now, The Lord Ian Botham)
Sir Ian Botham was knighted in 2007 for services to charity and cricket.
He was a genuine all-rounder for England and an Ashes hero – Botham also became loved for his fundraising walks and tireless work for leukaemia research.
8. Sir Wesley Hall
Sir Wesley Hall was a fearsome fast bowler from the glory era of West Indian cricket.
He was knighted in 2012 by the Antiguan government for services to cricket and public life, including his later role as a minister and cricket administrator.
7. Sir Curtly Ambrose
Yet another member of the West Indies‘ storied line of fast bowlers, Sir Curtly Ambrose was knighted in 2014 in Antigua for services to cricket.
He claimed over 400 Test wickets and bowled with an unrelenting, intimidating style, Ambrose ripped stumps apart throughout the 1990s.
6. Sir Andy Roberts
Siry Andy Roberts was also knighted in Antigua in 2014 for services to cricket as a pioneer of the West Indies’ historic fearsome pace attack.
He played a crucial role in helping shape the legacy of fast-bowling prowess on the Caribbean Islands.
5. Sir Geoffrey Boycott
Sir Geoffrey Boycott was one of England’s most solid batters with his immaculate technique inspiring the style of a generation.
He was knighted in 2019 for services to sport and his contributions to English cricket as both a player and in the media were heroic.
4. Sir Andrew Strauss
Sir Andrew Strauss was a two-time Ashes-winning England captain and a successful administrator within the setup.
Strauss was knighted in 2019 for services to sport, recognising his playing career and leadership during a time of personal tragedy and turbulence at the ECB.
3. Sir Alistair Cook
A successful England captain and his country’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, Sir Alistair Cook was knighted in 2019 for services to cricket.
He drew praise for his longevity, class and leadership under the deepest of scrutiny while delivering for his country.
2. Sir Everton Clive Lloyd
As a captain, Sir Everton Clive Lloyd led the West Indies to two World Cup victories and an extended period of dominance.
He was knighted in 2020 for services to cricket both as a player and later as a coach.
1. Sir James Anderson
The most prolific fast bowler in Test cricket history, Sir James Anderson has become the most recent cricketer to be knighted, receiving the honour from outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
He received the honour in 2025 for services to cricket as a result of his incredible consistency and fitness across two decades which have made him one of the most inspiring figures in the game.
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