LONDON, June 16: Ian Botham, one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, has been knighted by the Queen in her Birthday Honours. As a player Botham was one of the rare breed who emptied bars whether he was bowling or batting as he almost always made something happen. Since retiring he has raised more than £10 million for leukaemia research with 11 walks in the UK and Europe.
“I’m delighted that I’ve been honoured, not only for myself but for the people that have helped me get there,” he told the Press Association. “My wife Kath organised most of the walks and this will be very much a family celebration.”—Agencies