News Americas, New York, NY, November 14, 2024: West Indies and Guyanese cricket legend Alvin Kallicharran has officially unveiled his autobiography.
The 75-year-old, the former oyster inspiration, has released ADVENTURESa compelling look at his cricketing journey and the role the sport played in bridging racial divides. Launched at the Oasis Cafe in Georgetown, Guyana, the book highlights Kallicharran’s personal experiences as a professional cricketer and serves as a guide for aspiring young players.
Kallicharran, who won the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983, scored over 20,000 runs in his illustrious nine-year career and shared at the event that cricket opened countless doors for him, inspiring his desire to give back to the sport and the country. his, Guyana. Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Kallicharran spoke of the values of “hard work, perseverance, hunger and passion” that took him from Port Mourant, Berbice to international fame. He also credited iconic figures like Basil Butcher, Lance Gibbs, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Gary Sobers as mentors who guided his path.
“The game has been very good for me, from the village to the international world. Hard work, perseverance, hunger, passion and desire to play this sport,” he said. “I believe it is my time to give back to Guyana and Berbice, because without patience you reach mediocrity.
Kallicharran, who averaged 44.43 in 66 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and 21 half-centuries, spoke about how he got involved in cricket.
“The journey of life, the mixing of races, the journey started with Basil Butcher giving me my first cricket bat. Lance Gibbs was one of my biggest mentors, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Gary Sobers are a big part of my life and we are all different colours. Going to England playing cricket and earning money from the white man, how can I come back and call it prejudice, so it is to bring unity to us as a people,” Kallicharan said.
The co-author of the book, Tony McWatt, and comments from Dr. Ritesh Tularam on behalf of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, underscoring ADVENTURES as a reminder and a call to unity through sport.
