Roland Butcher is renowned for being the first Black cricket player to represent England and a noteworthy figure within the sporting world. He made his debut on the cricket scene in the 1980s and soon became a representation of inclusivity and diversity within cricket. Roland’s journey from the Caribbean to the English cricket scene demonstrates his tenacity and willpower, establishing him as a true inspiration in addition to a talent. He was recently awarded the Three Lions pin badge by the England Men's squad in recognition of his accomplishments and important role in the history of cricket.
When Roland came to England at only 14 years old, his cricket career got started. He returned to cricket after being first enthralled with football, playing for Stevenage Cricket Club. Due to his hard work and talent, he was able to secure a spot at Middlesex, where he flourished and won numerous trophies during the team's dominant years in the 1970s and 1980s. Notably, he won the Walter Lawrence Trophy in 1987 for scoring the fastest century of the season in England, reaching 100 runs in just 73 balls against Sussex. Despite having a short international career, he made a lasting impression on the game with his memorable performances, which included a rapid half-century on his ODI debut.
More recently, Roland has made a point of giving back to the cricket community. In addition to being a patron of the ACE Programme Charity, he was a key figure in starting the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club and encouraging female involvement in the sport. This foundation, sharing Roland’s dedication to mentoring and diversity, seeks to assist young cricket players from under-represented backgrounds. His recent recognition by the England Men's team furthers his reputation as a trailblazer and an inspiration to young players.
In addition to being a well-known cricket player, Roland is also a committed mentor and supporter of diversity in sports due to his vast expertise and love of the game. He is a highly sought-after figure within the cricket world and a strong contender for any role involving nurturing talent or promoting inclusion in the sport. His distinctive combination of historical significance, community participation, and ongoing contributions to cricket position him as a highly regarded individual.
How to hire Roland Butcher
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Roland Butcher for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Roland Butcher's official speaking topics are listed below:
- High Performance
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Diversity & Inclusion
- 2024 - Presented with the Three Lions pin badge by the England Men’s team
- 2022 - Awarded the Freedom of the City of London
- 2022 - Appointed as a selector for the West Indies Men's senior and youth teams
- 2004 - Appointed Director of Sports at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus
- 2000 - Served as head coach of Bermuda’s national cricket team
- 1989 - Published his book Rising to the Challenge
- 1987 - Won the Walter Lawrence Trophy for the fastest century of the season scoring 100 runs in 73 balls against Sussex
- 1981 - Made his Test debut for England against the West Indies
- 1980 - Made his One Day International debut against Australia scoring a rapid half-century
- 1974 - Played for Middlesex contributing to the team’s 12 major trophies including six County Championships and six one-day titles
- 1980 - Became the first Black cricketer to represent England marking a significant milestone in cricket history
