In a touching display of gratitude, Mr. Jay Shah, the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has unveiled a generous reward for the often-overlooked heroes of the cricketing world – the curators and groundsmen who played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Asia Cup 2023.
The Asia Cup 2023, hosted in Sri Lanka, faced numerous disruptions due to rain, creating substantial challenges for both teams and organizers. Nevertheless, The dedicated ground staff and curators showcased unwavering commitment and dedication in their efforts to prepare the playing surfaces promptly after the rain showers subsided.
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Impressed by their relentless hard work, the ACC has decided to present a significant cash prize of USD 50,000 to the pitch curators and groundsmen responsible for maintaining the cricketing venues in Kandy and Colombo. Shah took to his official Twitter handle to share this heartwarming announcement, saying, “Big Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes of Cricket! The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are proud to announce a well-deserved prize money of USD 50,000 for the dedicated curators and groundsmen at Colombo and Kandy.”
Jay Shah acknowledged the pivotal role played by these dedicated individuals in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Asia Cup 2023. From meticulously maintaining the pitches to tending to lush outfields, these unsung heroes worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create the perfect stage for thrilling cricket action.
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Jay Shah remarked, “Their unwavering commitment and hard work made the Asia Cup 2023 an unforgettable spectacle. From pitch perfection to lush outfields, they ensured the stage was set for thrilling cricket action. This recognition highlights the critical role these individuals play in cricket’s success. Let’s celebrate and honor their yeoman services! #UnsungHeroes #AsiaCup2023.”
🏏🏟️ Big Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes of Cricket! 🙌
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are proud to announce a well-deserved prize money of USD 50,000 for the dedicated curators and groundsmen at Colombo and Kandy. 🏆
Their unwavering commitment and…
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 17, 2023
India’s fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, further exhibited the players’ appreciation for the ground staff by dedicating his prize money for winning the Player of the Match award in the Asia Cup final to the ground staff of the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Siraj expressed his gratitude, saying, “I think they deserve a lot of credit. The tournament would not have gone ahead without their work,” during the post-match presentation.
The prize money for the award was USD 5,000 or Rs 4.15 Lakhs. On a related note, the ACC and SLC had also previously announced a USD 50,000, or Rs 41.54 Lakhs, award for the ground staff of Kandy and Colombo. Siraj was awarded the Man of the Match award in the final for his remarkable spell of 6/21, which included four wickets in a single over – figures that ranked as the fourth-best by an Indian in One-Day Internationals.
Kitni baar dil jeetoge, miyan? ♥️
Mohammed Siraj winning on and off the field#AsiaCup | #INDvSL | 📎 https://t.co/e9qkKQZJaI pic.twitter.com/LtKBPup5Zb
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) September 17, 2023
