Umesh Valjee, A Durban-born man joined an elite group of sportsmen when he is awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II.

Umesh Valjee, 42, the captain of the England Deaf cricket team, was named in the queen’s New Year’s Honour List for his services to disabled sport.

He was presented with his award by the queen at Buckingham Palace on February 16.

Umesh, was born in Durban but has lived in England since the age of two months.

He made his international debut in 1992 and has captained his adopted country’s side 43 times.

Last year he became the first deaf cricketer to be named the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) Disability Cricketer of the Year after scoring three centuries for England during a tour of Australia.

To read more about his experience on the day click on the link below

http://www.cricketdeafengland.co.uk/home/news/070908-1.html