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Maharajkumar of Vizianagram or 'Vizzy'. India. Black felt clutch bag/document bag presented to M.C.C. by 'Vizzy' presumably as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India 1954-1957. The black bag with silk lining exquisitely decorated with a beaded and braided peacock fanning its tail, with floral borders either side. To the back is further decoration and the wording 'M.C.C. from Vizzy'. 8.25"x5". Unusual. VG
Estimate: £70/100
Hammer price: £260
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Vijay Ananda Gajapathi Raju, better known as the Maharajkumar of Vizianagram or Vizzy, was an Indian cricketer, cricket administrator and politician. Vizzy organised his cricket team in 1926 and constructed a ground in his palace compounds. He recruited players from India and abroad. When MCC cancelled the tour of India in 1930-31 owing to political problems, he organised a team of his own and toured India and Ceylon. He succeeded in drafting Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe for the team. He then went on to captain the Indian cricket team for the 1936 tour of England and became the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 1954-1957, previously being the vice-president
