Most knighthoods have been awarded after a player has retired. Don Bradman was awarded his CBE in 1949 just prior to his retirement from first class cricket. He remains Australia’s only cricketing knight.

In 1953, Jack Hobbs became the first professional to be knighted. Vizzy, The Rajkumar of Vizianagram (also known as Sir Vijaya Ananda) was knighted on June 15, 1936. He made his Test debut 12 days later as India's captain at Lord's.

In 1990, Richard Hadlee was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours and 5 days later played for New Zealand in the Lord's Test.  Bill Woodfull, Australian captain in the 1930’s, turned down a knighthood.

Ian Botham was the last cricketer to be knighted. He was presented his award in 2008, and celebrated it at a lavish gala night afterwards.

Australia

Bradman, Sir Donald (1908–2001)

England

Allen, Sir George "Gubby" (1902–1989)

Bedser, Sir Alec (born 1918)

Botham, Sir Ian, (born 1955)

Cowdrey, Sir Colin (1932–2000)

Hobbs, Sir Jack (1882–1963)

Hutton, Sir Len (1916–1990)

Lacey, Sir Francis (1859–1946)

Leveson-Gower, Sir Henry (1873–1954)

Toone, Sir Frederick (1868–1930)

Warner, Sir Pelham (1873–1963)

India

Vizianagram, The Maharajkumar  (1905-1965)

New Zealand

Hadlee, Sir Richard (born 1951)

West Indies

Hunte, Sir Conrad (1932–1999)

Richards, Sir Vivian (born 1952)

Sobers, Sir Garfield (born 1936)

Walcott, Sir Clyde (1926–2006)

Weekes, Sir Everton (born 1925)

Worrell, Sir Frank (1924–1967)