MUMBAI, India — West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara was bestowed with the CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday, adding yet another jewel to his storied career.
The honor came during the 2025 CEAT Cricket Rating Awards, an annual celebration of global excellence in the sport.
The 56-year-old batting maestro, famed for his artistry and enduring records, was presented with the award by none other than Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, himself one of the most revered names in world cricket.
From record-breaker to living legend
Lara’s link to the CEAT awards stretches back nearly three decades. When tyre manufacturer CEAT introduced its cricket rating system in 1995, Lara made history just a year later as the CEAT Cricketer of the Year. His name has remained synonymous with brilliance ever since — especially for his unbeaten 400-run Test record, a feat still unmatched in world cricket.
In a moving social media tribute, CEAT hailed Lara’s enduring influence and unmatched flair:
“Some careers set records; a few set horizons. Tonight, we honour Brian Lara with the CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award – a salute to craft, charisma, and a legacy that continues to guide how greatness is imagined.”
Chandrasekhar also recognized
Sharing the spotlight, former Indian leg-spin great B.S. Chandrasekhar was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his pivotal role in India’s cricketing rise during the 1970s.
Root, Williamson, and others dominate player honors
Among active cricketers, England’s Joe Root claimed the International Cricketer of the Year award, while his compatriot Harry Brook was named Test Batsman of the Year after amassing over 500 runs at an impressive average of 53.90.
Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya earned recognition as Test Bowler of the Year, underscoring his growing impact in the longest format of the game.
In One-Day Internationals, New Zealand’s pair of Kane Williamson and Matt Henry walked away with the top batting and bowling honors respectively, affirming their consistency on the world stage.
Indian stars shine in T20 and leadership categories
The T20 International categories were dominated by Indian talent. Varun Chakravarthy took home the T20I Bowler of the Year, while Sanju Samson was named T20I Batsman of the Year following a year of explosive performances.
South African Test captain Temba Bavuma received a Leadership Award for guiding the Proteas to their World Test Championship triumph over Australia in June. India’s own Rohit Sharma was presented with a special memento in recognition of leading his nation to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Women’s cricket excellence recognized
Rounding off the night, India’s leading women’s players also took center stage. Smriti Mandhana was named Women’s International Batter of the Year, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma earned the title of Women’s International Bowler of the Year, both celebrated for their consistency and match-winning prowess.
