MUMBAI, June 25: ``Sir Donald BRADMAN holds Indian cricket and its international status in high regard,'' revealed Mark Tregoning during the unveiling of the legendary Australian batsman's portrait titled `Bradman's Walk to Glory' at the Mumbai Cricket Association, here, this evening.

Tregoning, who is also the project director, speaking on behalf of Sir Bradman said, ``India holds a special place in Sir Bradman's heart, particularly the exploits of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.

Now aged 89, Sir Bradman has expressed his apologies for not being present here.''

The portrait was unveiled by former India captain and MCA vice-president Ajit Wadekar as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and the MCA chief Manohar Joshi failed to grace the ceremony owing to an assignment in Rajasthan.

Indian cricketers -- past and present -- peppered the 100-odd gathering of cricket enthusiasts during the ceremony.

Mumbai is the third stop of the painting, which is valued at one million Australian dollars (approx Rs 2.8 crore). The two earlier stops being the long rooms of Melbourne Cricket Ground (May 28) and Lord's in England (June 20).

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.