Why Alastair Cook Is Titled 'Sir' While Sachin Tendulkar Is Not

Knighthood is a title reserved for citizens of the Commonwealth Realm, which includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Caribbean islands. India, although a member of the broader Commonwealth, is not part of the realm. This means that cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sourav Ganguly can never be knighted by the Queen of England. Nevertheless, this does not diminish their achievements and contributions to cricket.

Historical Context and Rejection

The story of Sachin Tendulkar not being awarded knighthood by the Queen of England dates back to the retirement years of his revered idol, Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar was the first Indian to receive a knighthood from the royal throne, but he refused to accept it, preserving its honor. This decision, and subsequent reluctance of other prominent Indian cricketers to accept knighthood, have led to Tendulkar not being offered the same honor.

India's Highest Civilian Honors

Sachin Tendulkar is the proud recipient of the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. Given that he has already received this prestigious honor, there is no need for an additional title bestowed by the Queen of England. Bharat Ratna is a testament to his exceptional contributions to cricket and his overall impact on Indian society.

Knighthood and National Pride

The knighthood title is given by the Queen of England, and Indians are not eligible for this title within the Commonwealth realms. The tradition of knighthood was followed in India before Independence, but it was later abolished. In 2008, Sachin Tendulkar was on the verge of receiving a knighthood on the recommendation of then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. However, following opposition from within India, the matter was resolved.

Accepting a knighthood would imply a continued colonial connection, which many Indians would prefer to avoid. Tendulkar has already achieved the highest recognition through the Bharat Ratna, making the knighthood redundant. The Times of India, in 2008, also published an article titled 'Sachin must not kneel before the Queen', emphasizing the importance of national honors over foreign titles.

Conclusion

While Alastair Cook received the title of 'Sir' from the Queen of England, Sachin Tendulkar has his own unique recognition in the form of the Bharat Ratna. The decision to not knight Sachin is not about his achievements being less significant, but rather a matter of national pride and tradition. Both titles are honored for their own reasons, highlighting the cultural and national ties associated with them.