Cricinfo sponsors Sony award
Cricinfo is delighted to announce that it will be sponsoring the International Cricketer of the Year award at the Sony Entertainment Television Asia Sports Personality of the Year Awards ceremony, to be held in London on February 3, 2007. These awards recognise the achievements of British Asians in sport and this award is in the international cricketer category. The candidates and their achievements in 2006 are outlined below.
Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan)
In 2006, the batsman formerly known as Yousuf Youhana gave a new meaning to conversion rate. He abandoned the recklessness that had defined the first seven years of his career, embraced Islam and smashed his way to a world-record 1788 runs in the year, including nine hundreds in 11 matches. He took over the mantle of best batsman from Inzamam-ul-Haq and turned into a pillar who Pakistan could rely on, every single time.
** Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)**
Eleven Tests, 90 wickets, nine five-wicket hauls, five ten-wicket hauls … one can go on and on but it was just another year in the life of Muttiah Muralitharan. He spun rings around England to level the series, bamboozled South Africa and outfoxed New Zealand. In between, he devoured hapless Bangladesh. All this was executed with a broad smile and a chilling inevitability. Best bowler in 2006? You bet.
** Anil Kumble (India)**
The third-highest wicket-taker in the year, Kumble was the driving force of India’s Test campaign through the year. He engineered their historic win in the Caribbean, a triumph that materialised after 36 barren years, and played a big part in their Test victories over England and South Africa as well. He also became the first Indian to take 500 Test wickets. Towards the end of the year, he returned to the one-day side as well and turned in impressive performances against South Africa.
** Vote here**
- Mohammad Yousuf
- Muralitharan
] Anil Kumble
Source* -->** Survey Monkey (in association with CricInfo)
