January 3, 2025
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
LAHORE
A gate originally named in honour of Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, a distinguished former Chief Justice of Pakistan and a lifelong promoter of cricket in the country, has now been removed from its place, raising questions over the preservation of Pakistan’s cricketing heritage and the recognition of historical figures.
The dedicated gate named Justice Cornelius Gate at the main gate of the Cricket Board at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, was removed following the stadium’s recent renovation.
According to a letter sent by Samuel Payara, Chairman of the Implementation Minority Rights Forum (IMRF), to PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, the Payara’s letter describes Justice Cornelius as “a man of integrity and vision, and a key contributor to the development of Pakistan cricket,” urging the board to restore the gate’s name.
The letter says, “After the recent renovation of Gaddafi Stadium, it has been noticed with deep concern that the name ‘Justice Cornelius Gate’ is no longer displayed. This omission has unintentionally overlooked the valuable contributions of Justice Cornelius, who not only served Pakistan with great distinction but also played a vital role in the development of cricket as Patron of the PCB in his time.”
Speaking to Voicepk, Payara condemned the removal of the name plate, saying it had been taken down and placed in a storeroom. He called the act “condemnable,” emphasizing that Justice Cornelius was a legendary figure who had significantly contributed to Pakistan cricket.
Justice Cornelius and the foundations of Pakistan Cricket
Justice Cornelius’s contributions to cricket are historically significant. He was one of the three original Vice-Presidents of the Pakistan Cricket Board (then Board of Control for Cricket in Pakistan, BCCP) and later became Chairman of the Working Committee, serving until 1953. In September 1960, he was appointed Chairman of the first Ad Hoc Committee tasked with managing cricket in Pakistan until May 1963.
Among his notable achievements was the founding of the Pakistan Eaglets, an informal club of promising young Pakistani cricketers. The Eaglets toured England in 1952 and 1953 in preparation for Pakistan’s first full Test tour of England in 1954. Justice Cornelius’s efforts in these formative years helped lay the foundation for Pakistan cricket, both administratively and through mentoring young talent.
PCB yet to respond
Voicepk contacted Amir Mir, Media Director of the PCB, for an official statement regarding the removal of the gate name. The questions shared with Mir sought confirmation on whether the name had been removed, the reasons for its removal, and whether PCB intends to restore it along with a timeline. As of the filing of this report, PCB had not responded.
Payara’s letter further urges the PCB to restore the name, saying: “In the spirit of honouring our national icons and preserving the legacy of those who dedicated themselves to Pakistan’s progress, I earnestly request that the name ‘Justice Cornelius Gate’ be reinstated and prominently displayed at the main entrance of Gaddafi Stadium.”
Voicepk will provide updates if the PCB issues an official statement concerning the gate’s name and its potential restoration.