Asia Cup 2023

'Golden Heart Miyan!' - Fans react as Mohammed Siraj dedicates his Player of Match award to ground staff and cash prize to Sri Lankan groundstaff

Indian team have defeated the Sri Lankan team by 10 wickets and have also won the Asia Cup for eight time now.

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Rohit Kumar
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'Golden Heart Miyan!' - Fans react as Mohammed Siraj dedicates his Player of Match award to ground staff and cash prize to Sri Lankan groundstaff

The prominent Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj earned the Player of the Match accolade for his outstanding performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final versus Sri Lanka. With a remarkable spell of 6/21, he played a pivotal role in India's dominant ten-wicket victory, securing their eighth title in the Continental championship.

With regard to his exceptional efforts, the 29-year-old received a prize money of $5000 (equivalent to INR 415,451.75). In a touching gesture, he chose to dedicate this reward to the groundsmen, acknowledging their indispensable contribution to the tournament's success. This is a heartwarming gesture as the ground staff both in Kandy as well as Colombo have been phenomenal throughout the tournament.

"Have been bowling well for a long time. Was missing the edges earlier but found them today. The wicket was seaming earlier, but there was swing today. Thought that I would bowl fuller because of the swing. When there's good bonding between fast bowlers, it's helpful for the team. I was thinking it would be great if I could stop the boundary. My best spell. This cash prize <$5000 or INR 415,452 approx.> goes to the groundsmen. This tournament would not have been possible without them," Siraj said post winning the Player of the Match award.

Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this gesture from Siraj: 

 

 

ACC President Jay Shah awards a prize fund of INR 41.5 lakh to the ground staff and curators

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup faced significant disruptions due to frequent rain interruptions. However, the dedicated ground staff demonstrated their effectiveness by swiftly removing heavy coverings and employing innovative techniques to dry the pitches. The efforts of the curators were equally commendable, as they prepared pitches that offered a balanced contest between bowlers and batsmen.

On Sunday, September 17, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, Jay Shah, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), announced a substantial prize fund of USD 50,000 (equivalent to INR 41.5 lakhs or 1.6 crore Sri Lankan rupees) for the diligent curators and groundsmen in both Colombo and Kandy. Shah acknowledged these individuals as the 'Unsung Heroes of Cricket,' emphasizing that the success of the tournament was a direct result of their unwavering commitment and hard work.

During the award ceremony, the ACC President presented the USD 50,000 reward to national curator Godfrey Dabrare, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Sri Lanka's ground staff in ensuring the smooth conduct of the competition.

India Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Mohammed Siraj