Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s bat will be put up for display at the Long Room of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
According to reports, MCG officials have asked Babar Azam to donate a bat of his for the Long Room, after which Babar donated the bat he used in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.
The bats of cricketing legends Don Bradman, David Bone, Jack Hobbs and Brian Lara are also on display in the MCG Long Room.
“It is an honor for my bat to be showcased in the Long Room. I have a lot of memories associated with the MCG. It is one of the best grounds with the bats of the greatest batsmen of the world. It is an honor to have my bat put up for display [here],” Babar said.
Steeped in history and tradition, the Long Room is iconic in every sense. The famous leather couches offer premium views of the hallowed turf and are complimented by a fine selection of sporting memorabilia on display.
The Long Room was earlier known as the “Members’ Lounge” with the back section of the room known as the “Members’ Dining Room”. The area was renamed the “Long Room” in 1958.
The foundation stone from the second pavilion is located in the centre of the Long Room. It also houses portraits of a number of past presidents, a vice-president and secretaries of the club.