The only cricketer to be printed on currency note

Published - 10 Aug 2025, 12:30 IST | Updated - 10 Aug 2025, 09:55 IST

Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in freeing India from the British's rule. The nation will be celebrating its 79th Independence Day in less than a week's time. His picture is been printed on India's currency notes to honour him and his contributions to India's freedom struggle. Every country has been following a similar template. However, there has been only one cricketer in the world who has had his picture printed on paper money.

Barbados-born former West Indian captain Frank Worrell has been the only cricketer who has had his picture printed on currency up until now. Barbados is the only country on the Caribbean island that has printed a picture of arguably one of its greatest cricketers on its notes. The Central Bank of Barbados started doing so after recognising his rich contribution to cricket.

Frank, who passed away at just 42, isn't only remembered for his 3860 runs (average of 49.48) and 69 wickets (economy of 2.24) in the 51 matches he played for West Indies or the 208 First-Class matches in which he represented Barbados or Jamaica. He was also well-known for his likeable nature on the field to the opposition and the grace with which he would treat everyone.

Numerous cricketers who had played with him have complimented his demeanour and behaviour with them, irrespective of the players being in his team or the opposing one. Frank won everyone's hearts when he came to the rescue of Indian captain Nari Contractor by donating blood voluntarily. This occurrence is from when the Indian team toured West Indies in 1962.

West Bengal organises a blood donation camp every year since 1981 at the Club House of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Eden Gardens, Kolkata to acknowledge the humanitarian act by the former West Indies captain.

During one of the matches, Contractor got injured quite badly and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. The doctors had demanded blood after a lot of it had been lost while getting him transported to the hospital. Frank did not hesitate in coming forward and willingly donated blood in a bid to contribute to Contractor's health condition.