An exclusive group of BMW Melbourne special vehicle customers and VIP’s were in the BMW Melbourne Southbank showroom for an unforgettable evening with Sachin Tendulkar, the former Indian cricketer widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. It was an immersive experience with luxurious surrounds, an enthralling interview of Sachin Tendulkar by Max Walker and an exceptional sit down dinner. The Special Guest Commentary throughout the night from Max Walker was inspired.
The proceedings started with Max Walker introducing Geoff Briscoe, Dealer Principal of BMW Melbourne. Max a star in his own right was one of a select group of sportsmen who played both Senior VFL/AFL Football and Test Cricket. He played 94 senior games with the Melbourne Football Club and 13 years of first class cricket with Victoria and Australia. Once he retired from cricket, Max became a celebrity on television and radio first appearing on radio, calling cricket for the ABC. He was also part of the commercial radio cricket coverage run by 2UE and 3AK. His first television appearances date back to 1982, where he was the cricket expert on Channel 7’s World Of Sport, then after moving to Channel 9, he was part of National Nine News Melbourne, reading the sports reports. He also hosted the Nine Network’s Wide World of Sports program until 1999 as well as commentating.
Geoff Briscoe welcomed guests including Marc-Heinrich Werner CEO of BMW Australia as well as introducing BMW Melbourne’s new Special Vehicles Manager, Marko Banjac to the audience. Max then gave a legend’s introduction. “Tonight will be a night to remember, for most it will be up there in the top 3 or 4 great moments” and after what would unfold for the next couple of hours he was absolutely correct in his premise.
Perhaps the most complete batsman and the most worshipped cricketer in the world, Sachin holds just about every batting record worth owning in the game, including those for most runs and hundreds in Tests and One Day Internationals, and of course the most international runs. His batting was based on the purest principles: perfect balance, economy of movement, precision in stroke-making, and that intangible quality given only to geniuses – anticipation. If he didn’t have a signature stroke – the upright, back-foot punch comes close – it’s because he was equally proficient at each of the full range of orthodox shots (and plenty of improvised ones as well) and could pull them out at will. There were no apparent weaknesses in Tendulkar’s game. He could score all around the wicket, off both front foot and back, could tune his technique to suit every condition, temper his game to suit every situation, and made runs in all parts of the world in all conditions.
Sachin graciously introduced himself and talked about his love of coming to Australia his love of Cricket and his love of BMW. He sat down to a rousing applause and dinner was served. Sachin was so very kind and signed copies of his book for all of the customers as well as menus, shirts, cricket balls and the odd cap.
Then at the conclusion of dinner Max and Sachin took to the stage where one of the most riveting interviews took place where every person in the room sat on the edge of their seat caught up in the emotion, passion and humble personality that is Sachin Tendulkar. Customers and guests were then given a once in a lifetime opportunity to ask Sachin questions from the floor.
Needless to say every person in the room left inspired and with complete understanding of why he is so revered and admired all over the world.
Speeches by Geoff Briscoe, Marko Banjac and Sachin Tendulkar. AV by #NextGenRentals. Catering by #PeterRolandsCatering. Video Production by #DiproseMedia.