Shantha, Shivalkar, Goel get BCCI recognition

Shantha RangaswamyFormer domestic cricket giants Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar who were not fortunate enough to play for India were yesterday nominated for the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award alongside former national captain Shantha Rangaswamy who became the first woman to be chosen for the honour The BCCI announced that leftarm spinners Goel and Shivalkar would be feted at its annual awards in Bangalore on March 8If I was lucky enough to bowl just threefour overs in a Test that would have been the biggest award for me But still I am happy now I got what was in my destiny Though I faced a lot of negligence in the past from BCCI I need to respect the new body Shivalkar told midday yesterdayShivalkar and Goel playing for Mumbai and Haryana respectively ruled domestic cricket for years Goel ended his career with a staggering 750 firstclass wickets including 637 scalps in the Ranji Trophy the most by any bowler in tournaments history Shivalkar played 124 firstclass games and claimed 589 wickets He picked up 42 fivewicket hauls and on 13 occasions claimed 10 or more in a matchThe committee consisting of N Ram Ramachandra Guha and Diana Edulji believed that BCCI needs to recognise the services rendered by Goel and Shivalkar who were not fortunate enough to play for India the BCCI said in a statementIt will be another first for womens cricket when Rangaswamy receives the Lifetime Achievement AwardShe led India in 12 Test matches and 16 ODIsIts a good feeling that women cricketers are finally getting their due Those days were tough but we were still able to lay a solid foundation for the future said Rangaswamy Edulji called Rangaswamy a great allrounderVaman Viswanath Kumar and late Ramakant Desai have been nominated for the BCCI Special Award in recognition of their yeoman services to Indian cricket the statement added