KARACHI – Young players bagged awards in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s annual award ceremony held on Wednesday.
The star-studded event began at 8pm on Wednesday. PCB chairman Najam Sethi, national cricketers and other prominent figures from different segments of the society are attending the ceremony.
The senior players; Shoaib Malik, Yasir Shah, Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Hafeez received no awards at the ceremony.
Players received awards from former players, including Shahid Afridi.
Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was awarded Rs1million under Imtiaz Ahmed Spirit Award from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi. Test player Muhammad Abbas was given Best test bowler award for bagging 27 wickets last year.
Hasan Ali received Best One Day player, Babar Azam was awarded Best T20I player, while Faheem Ashraf was given Best Emerging Player Award.
Shan Masood, Aizaz Cheema were given Best Batsman in Domestic cricket, Best Bowler in Domestic cricket respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, PCB Chairman Najam Sethi said that Pakistani team has found its lacking discipline. “Team’s performance graph has raised because of discipline and professionalism.”
Sethi said that the next two-three months are important for the Pakistani cricket.
“We have to see eight-nine tv rights. Pakistan cricket will be adversely impacted If God forbids the exercise is not conducted smoothly,” he said.
Shoaib Malik, who is representing Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, will not be able to attend the ceremony.
I’m going to miss the #PCBAwards in person but I’ll be there in spirit of course. Playing for your nation is an honor on its own and this award ceremony is an excellent initiative to recognize and appreciate the hard work cricketers put in day-in day-out #PakistanZindabad ??
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) August 8, 2018
The event will be co-hosted by Imran Ahmad Khan, head of player acquisition and management for the Pakistan Super League, who confirmed the news via his Twitter account.
Co-hosting the #PCBAwards tomorrow. Promises to be a special night where we honor our cricketers. Stay tuned! https://t.co/Nts5XveNrs
— Imran Ahmad Khan (@imranahmadkh) August 7, 2018
On Monday the PCB tweeted a teaser video of the ceremony which will feature superstars from both the men’s and women’s teams.
According to sources, left-arm-batsman Fakhar Zaman has emerged favourite in categories of best batsman and cricketer of the year while Hassan Ali is likely to win an award for best bowler of the year.
On the other hand, there is stern competition for award of all-rounder of the year as Shadab Khan and Fahim Ashraf have both performed exceptionally well.
Landed safely at Karachi for PCB Award show pic.twitter.com/BJR32rhqC0
— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) August 7, 2018
Imamul Haq, the nephew of Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq, is likely to be awarded emerging cricketer of the year award. Separate awards will be awarded in said categories in ODIs, T20Is and Test matches.
