India pacer Mohammed Siraj won hearts with a heartwarming gesture. The prolific pacer donated his ‘Player of the Match award to the Colombo Ground Staff for their hard work during the Asia Cup 2023 which was often interrupted due to rain on several occasions. The swashbuckling cricketer donated around 5000 US Dollars award with a bright smile on his face.
“This cash prize [US $5000] goes to the groundsmen. They deserve it fully. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them,”
Siraj said after putting in a spectacular spell – 6 for 21 – which turned the title clash into a no-contest, India won in 21.3 overs of cricket.
After Mohammed Siraj, ACC & SLC announces Prize Money for Ground Staff
Even the ACC & SLC on Sunday recognized the efforts & dedication of Colombo’s ground staff by announcing well-deserved prize money of USD 50,000 for the curators & ground staff at Colombo & Kandy.
While announcing the prize money the ACC & SLC also expressed their gratitude to the Colombo groundstaff for their outstanding efforts in making a fixture happen despite numerous interruptions due to rain. The President of ACC, Jay Shah also took to Twitter on Sunday to heap praise on ground staff for their dedication, hard work & efforts throughout the tournament.
“Let’s give a special acknowledgment to the Cricket’s Hidden Champions! The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) take immense pride in announcing a well-earned prize of USD 50,000 for the dedicated groundkeepers and curators in Colombo and Kandy. Their relentless dedication and hard work were instrumental in creating an unforgettable spectacle at the Asia Cup 2023. From crafting the perfect pitches to maintaining lush outfields, they ensured the stage was impeccably set for electrifying cricket action. This recognition underscores the pivotal role these individuals play in the triumph of cricket. Join us in celebrating and paying tribute to their exceptional contributions! #UnsungHeroes #AsiaCup2023 @ACCMedia1 @OfficialSLC,”
Jay Shah wrote on X.
Miyan’s Magic guided India to 8th Asia Cup Title Win
Rain acted as a spoilsport in maximum matches of the tournament. First, it was India’s opening fixture against Pakistan which ended in a No Result. And later India’s fixture against Nepal was interrupted by rain but still India ended up winning the match with the DLS method.
Coming to the Asia Cup 2023 Final between Sri Lanka & India, Mohammed Siraj stayed true to his nickname ‘Miya Magic’ by displaying a lethal show with the new ball in hand. He scalped 6 wickets for 21 runs with the first of four wickets coming in a single over. His letal pace helped to dismantle the entire Sri Lanka batting order within the powerplay overs reducing Sri lanka to 13-6. It was due to Siraj’s heroics with the ball that India wrapped Lanka’s innings at 50-10. Later in the chase, India’s opening batters Ishan Kishan & Shubman Gill did the work effortlessly by guiding the team over the line within 21.3 overs.
Also read, B-Town Applauds Siraj For His Stellar Performance
