At 14, Prithvi is CCI's youngest member

MUMBAI: First came the world record. Then, a letter of appreciation from batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. Now comes the membership of one of the most historic cricket clubs. Cricket's latest wonderboy Prithvi Shaw seems to be following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar. It is not easy to beat the 'Master Blaster' to records, especially feats which saw him be the youngest to a landmark, but Prithvi has pipped his idol to this one. On Monday, the 14-year-old was awarded the playing membership of the Cricket of India (CCI). The Virar boy, who slammed 546 in an inter-school game last year, is the youngest to be given this honour. The previous-youngest was Tendulkar, who was 15 when he was asked to play for CCI in 1988.

Back then, the club had to change its rules for Sachin, as players aged below 18 were not allowed to use the dressing room and the club house. The rules were amended to enable the young prodigy to play for the club. A similar 'exception' will be made for Prithvi too.

"This is a fabulous thing done by our cricket committee. CCI is privileged to encourage him. This is just what happened with Sachin. We're always keen to promote cricketers," club president Sevanti Parekh told TOI on Monday.

"The 'doors' will open for him from now. I'm sure with the talent Prithvi has, he'll make a mark. We'd be happy if we play a small role in his progress as a cricketer," Parekh added. "We're privileged that Prithvi is playing for us and we'll do everything using our global network to improve his cricket and give him a chance of playing for India," said vice-president and Kapil Malhotra.

Prithvi has had enjoyed memorable moments at the CCI. A couple of years back, the Rizvi Springfield boy had struck 174 in the Harris Shield final against VN Sule Guruji at the Brabourne Stadium.

Recently, he had scored 64 in a practice match for Air India against CCI while playing here. "I am honoured. This is a historic club with great facilities. I am told many stalwarts played for the club. I have played a Harris Shield game on this lovely ground and have scored a hundred," Prithvi said, bubbling with excitement.

When Tendulkar was made a member of CCI, former club president and cricket romantic Raj Singh Dungarpur, was over the moon. "Had he been alive, he'd have done this honour himself," stressed Parekh.

Did we see 'Rajbhai', as he was fondly called, raise a toast to Prithvi somewhere in the heavens?

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Shweta Pandey

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