It was a night to remember for the winners of the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Awards as they received their accolades from one of the sport’s greatest icons, Anil Kumble in Dubai on Thursday night.
Kumble, the former Indian captain and head coach was the chief guest of honour at the 18th edition of the Awards, which recognises the achievements of players and officials over the past season in the UAE’s domestic game.
Altogether 16 awards were presented by India’s highest Test wicket-taker including, for the first-time, the Lifetime Achievement Award which was won by Abdul Rahman Bukhatir. He was instrumental in bringing international cricket to the UAE when Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosted ODI matches in the 1980s and played a prominent role in growing the game in the country.
The accolade was received on behalf of his son Waleed Bukhatir, Emirates Cricket Board member, who said: “To receive such a prestigious award – the lifetime award is very special. He was a cricket lover. He has brought cricket to not only Sharjah but to the region. Back then, some people said don’t waste your time developing a ground but his vision was beyond that. He wanted to get as many international matches as he could and now today Sharjah have staged the most ODIs stages worldwide.
“This is a very nice achievement and this journey will continue and hopefully many more internationals will be hosted.”
Among other winners were UAE internationals Rohan Mustafa and Adnan Mufti. UAE skipper Mustafa was awarded Best ‘A’ Division cricketer for Sharjah Cricket Council while his national team-mate Mufti won Dubai Cricket Council’s prize.
All-rounder Aryan Lakra picked up the Best Under-16 award for Dubai for the second straight year, while Anwer Khan (Abu Dhabi), Shoun Roger (Ajman) and Ansh Tandon (Sharjah) were winners of their respective councils.
For Tandon, he said the award was the icing on the cake after a dominant season that saw him score more than 4,500 runs as well as represent the UAE Under-16 and U-19 teams.
“It really feels great to have got this award,” he said. “I worked really hard over the season and it’s great that I have been able to receive my award from Anil Kumble who is one of the legends in the game.”