Those working updating the scoreboard usually came from the most junior ranks of the club and often worked in pairs or even threes. They would also often pack their whites when they got wind that the 2nd XI were one short again or in case a sub fielder was needed.
It was a special day if that ever got to happen.
But it only ever really had a chance of becoming reality if said tally boy held the required level of maturity for men’s cricket or had exceptional ability.
I remember being in the scorebox for some reason or another (it was a social place as much as a score-keeping place of work) when I was around 13. The afternoon’s game of Scorebox Cricket came to a halt as our group was intrigued about our 2ndXI’s latest recruit who was coming on to bowl. Who was it?
“That’s Bharat Tripathi. He’s only 12.”
Working inside the scorebox is a rite of passage for many junior players all over the cricketing world. The messages scribed on that splintery old desk in the Roger Law Scorebox at Turf Moor are testament to that.
But there wasn’t much time for Scorebox Cricket in Baz’s early teenage years. Teeth-destroying backstreet cricket with his brother, Vishal, yes. But weekend afternoons were quickly converted to playing adult cricket.
Not to mention his couple of winters in India, his games at County 2ndXI, List A cricket for the Unicorns, and his time at both Liverpool CC and Bootle CC; he’s played over 450 senior matches across the Lancashire League, Worsley Cup and T20 matches.
Behind the stumps for most of those games has been Christ Burton, current 1st XI skipper, who says,
‘I have been lucky enough to be behind the stumps for a significant number of Bharat’s wickets. His skill level and ability to work batters over make him, without doubt, the best I’ve ever seen. But wickets are only part of his game. Anyone who’s played with or against him will know he brings a supremely competitive edge and plenty of other attributes too. As Burty says,
‘He’s an underrated batsman, an incredible fielder and an inspiring leader both on and off the field.’
Something echoed by Baz’s fellow former 1st XI captain, Dan Pickup,
‘Baz has played a major role in our recent successes and he was always willing to do what was needed for the team during my time as captain. A tenacious competitor who thrives on the big occasions.’
That competitiveness they both mention has been proven time and time again by the thousands of hours he’s spent over the years either practising his bowling during the week or helping others improve by giving them countless throwdowns. Forcing them to do another round, ensuring they ‘don’t finish on that’ because ‘it wasn’t good enough.’
Yes, I’m speaking from experience there.
The leadership and dedication to improving his own game and that of those around him is something which echoes the approach of one of the most famous names in BCC history, the late, great Joe Fletcher.
For decades, Joe’s 622 Lancashire League wickets has been the record number for an amateur player at Burnley Cricket Club.
But on Sunday 18th August 2024 the record was broken by Bharat as he took the final wicket of the day to dismiss Haslingden’s Carter Travis.
Our club record amateur wicket taker is now Bharat Tripathi with 628 and counting.
To be exact: 628 wickets at an average of 15.86 runs each with an astounding economy rate of only 3.27.
Dan describes it as, ‘an incredible achievement… It’s taken a lot of skill, dedication and determination over the years. Joe would be proud to see his record pass on to somebody who has given so much to the club and continues to do so.’
Given Baz’s love for helping others develop their game, there’s no doubt he’ll be willing to help the next record wicket taker at BCC break his own record, just like Joe did before him, whatever the final tally ends up being.
Because he’s not finished. He’s only 35.
Come and celebrate a very special 2024 season at The Champions’ Dinner:
A DOUBLE winning 2024 season, with a NINETEENTH Lancashire League 1st XI title and ELEVENTH Lancashire League 2nd XI title! FOUR league championships in five for the 1st XI, and TWO in three for the 2nd XI! It can only mean one thing... the return of The Champions' Dinner!
Come join us, once again to celebrate another memorable Lancashire League season, as we relive all the best moments for the club, and enjoy the achievements of the individual award winners. It's been another belter!
The celebrations will begin at 4:00pm at Burnley Cricket Club for the drinks reception, where you will receive a FREE drink on arrival. A couple of hours to warm up before we head to Burnley Football Club for the remainder of the evening!
The evening will include a 2 course dinner, followed by the Senior awards ceremony, and a raffle with some wonderful prizes & cash up for grabs. Following the presentation, Hannah Gilmore will take the stage, and see us into the night!
Trophy ladened seasons are a rarity (apparently), and evenings like this don't come round very often (usually)... so we hope you can join us on a truly special night of celebration and happiness.
All tickets will be electronic, and can be ordered via this page. Payment can be made via bank transfer or with cash. If you are paying for your ticket(s) with cash, please enclose the money in a named envelope, and give to the Burnley Cricket Club bar, or to Chris Burton or Daniel Pickup.
Key Details
Date: Saturday 1st February 2025
Time: From 4:00pm
Dress code: Formal
Live Entertainment: Hannah Gilmore
Ticket price: £35 (Tables of 8 or 10 also available)
U16 ticket price: £15
BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/burnleycricketclub1/1469110
Order of Events
4:00pm - Drinks Reception at Burnley Cricket Club
6:00pm - Presentation Commences at 1882 Lounge, Burnley Football Club.
6:30pm - Dinner Served (1882 Lounge)
8:00pm - Awards Ceremony (1882 Lounge)
9:00pm - Live Music from Hannah Gilmore (1882 Lounge)
11:45pm - Last Orders (1882 Lounge)