There are few titles which weigh so heavily in the colorful tapestry of cricket history, and yet there is only one man who has the title " Godfather of Cricket " . This is because this title was given to several key persons who've fundamentally changed the sport of cricket because of their insightful contributions. Many cricket legends have gained this title, but all leave legacies that continue steering the future of the game. Who Is the Godfather of Cricket? Kerry Packer Image Source : Getty Images Kerry Packer, the media tycoon of Australia, deserves the title of Godfather of Cricket. In the late 1970s, Packer began a cricket revolution that continued to transform cricket permanently. His imaginative concepts with the World Series Cricket shattered the traditional power elite and ushered in innovations that contemporary cricket takes for granted. Packer's vision went much beyond entertainment. Introduction of salary level on a professional level transformed cricket from a game of gentlemen to that of a sport which was there to earn a living. Coloured uniforms, white balls, and day-night matches changed the very outlook of the game, as well as made it feasible. His vision for cricket's commercial aspect was rescuing the game from itself; broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals which the world had never seen before. William Gilbert Grace Image Source : Getty Images The legacy of William Gilbert Grace as the possible Godfather of Cricket stems from his phenomenal influence in cricket's formative years. Grace's career, spread over an astonishing 44 seasons from 1865 to 1908, produced more than 54,000 first-class runs. However, the impact was much beyond mere statistics. He, as captain of England, Gloucestershire, and the elite Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), introduced technical innovations that would become fundamental to modern batting technique. His leadership across multiple teams, the United South of England Eleven, helped standardize cricket's rules and playing conditions. Grace's influence extended beyond the boundary rope, as he helped establish cricket as England's national summer sport and set standards for professional conduct that would influence generations of cricketers. Don Bradman Image Source : Getty Images Sir Donald Bradman's claim to the title Godfather of Cricket rests on mastery of batting and cultural impact over Australian cricket. His 99.94 Test average, for a career spanning 20 years, remains cricket's greatest statistical achievement. Bradman's consistency and technical skill raised him beyond sporting greats to become Australia's first genuine celebrity athlete. One could definitely not undermine the influence this has had on the cricketing culture of Australia. Cricket excellence, since Bradman's time, had become the yardstick all over the world. As Godfather of Cricket he sealed his title by himself changing from a player who played the game to turning himself into an administrator moulding cricket post-war towards development. Sunil Gavaskar Image Source : Getty Images Sunil Gavaskar, dubbed the Godfather of Cricket by West Indies legend Viv Richards, revolutionized batting technique against fast bowling. His Test debut against the West Indies in 1971 marked the beginning of an era where Indian cricket would establish itself as a dominant force in world cricket. Gavaskar's average of 65.45 against the fearsome West Indies attack demonstrated his technical mastery and mental fortitude. Gavaskar was the first batsman to make 10,000 runs in Test cricket. This was raising the bar for opening batsmen. The final score of 10,122 runs in 125 Tests set a benchmark that would motivate generations of Indian cricketers to come. He technically overcame the fast bowling fears and broke myths about subcontinental batsmen's limitations. MS Dhoni Image Source : Getty Images MS Dhoni is considered a Godfather of Cricket figure today in modern cricket, in the sense that after cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have bid the game adieu, Dhoni led Indian cricket with unprecedented success. He successfully guided India to win the three major ICC trophies-under his captaincy. There are the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, to name two, along with the 2013 Champions Trophy. Thus, his greatest contribution as the next Godfather of Cricket lies in strategic innovation and mentoring. Apart from making that smooth power transition for Virat Kohli by his continued guidance, it only points to his commitment towards cricket and its future.Even retired, his stint as India's mentor during the 2021 T20 World Cup shows his influence hasn't faded. Conclusion Godfather of Cricket represents more than individual achievement but marks a transformative influence in cricket's evolution. The strongest contender would be Kerry Packer's commercial and structural reforms, but each of these nominees has uniquely shaped cricket's development. Their legacy collectively continues to influence modern cricket from the techniques of playing to the strategies of commerce and keeps cricket growing and adapting with times.