By anyone’s measure, the King’s Birthday Honours list this year delivers a stirring over of cricketing gratitude – a fitting tribute to speed merchants, changemakers, and unsung custodians of the game’s soul.
Former England quicks Devon Malcolm and David ‘Syd’ Lawrence headline the honours, recognised not for past glories alone, but for decades of tireless contribution to the sport and society beyond the boundary rope.
Malcolm, the man whose thunderbolt spell of 9 for 57 against South Africa still echoes around The Oval like a war cry, has been awarded an OBE for Services to Cricket and Diversity in Cricket. Currently serving as the ECB’s Black Communities Liaison Officer, Malcolm’s second innings is proving as impactful as his first.
“When I heard the news I had to sit down,” Malcolm admitted. “To be honoured for my contribution to cricket and diversity in cricket is so special. You’re in this game for the love of it, and when your contribution is recognised like this it’s off the scale.”
For Lawrence, whose raw talent and history-making appearance as the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England was cruelly cut short by injury, the MBE is a deeply personal moment. Now battling Motor Neurone Disease, he’s become an even more powerful voice for change.
“It is not something that I ever thought would sit after my name,” said Lawrence. “But I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson called Lawrence’s honour “a tribute to his resilience, talent, and enduring impact on the sport.”
“Syd was a pioneer. It was tragic that his career was cut short by injury, but his voice since—especially after his diagnosis—has become a beacon of courage and purpose.”
The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours didn’t just spotlight the headline-makers. Behind-the-scenes innovators and local heroes were also rightly celebrated.
Sanjay Patel, architect of The Hundred and now interim CEO of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, was awarded an MBE for his role in modernising the domestic game.
“It’s been brilliant to have had the opportunity to work in a sport I love,” said Patel. “The team that helped build The Hundred made it the success it’s been.”
Sky Sports’ Bryan Henderson also received an MBE for his transformative work in broadcasting, having reshaped the way millions watch and understand the game.
“It’s a tribute to all the amazing people I’ve been lucky enough to work with,” Henderson said.
Further down the grassroots order, two names were inked into cricketing folklore: Nasa Hussain and Derek Picken.
Hussain, who manages the facilities at Bradford Park Avenue and is instrumental in operating its pioneering all-weather Domes, received a British Empire Medal. “To receive this for services to cricket – I don’t think I could ask for anything else,” he said.
Picken, now 86, has given more than 50 years to Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club in Gwent. “I’ve been involved with the club since 1952,” he said, choking up slightly. “It keeps me active – I can just about handle coaching the Dynamos children… and it keeps me mentally active as well. I’m going to keep going for as long as I’m able to!”
Thompson was unequivocal in his praise: “It is people like Nasa and Derek who are the lifeblood of our sport… without whom grassroots cricket simply wouldn’t be able to happen.”
As honours lists go, this one strikes a rare balance – the famous and the forgotten, the players and the planners, the coaches and the caretakers – all stitched into the same story. Cricket, at its best, is a game of community, legacy, and heart. The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours remind us that those qualities still matter.
And if you were wondering? Yes—Devon’s still got that fire in his eyes.
