Dubai: Shaiman Anwar, who drew the cricketing world’s attention by clinching a place among the top run-getters during the ICC World Cup, had won many nicknames for his explosive style - but no trophies or cash awards till Saturday. Shyam Bhatia, an ardent cricket promoter, gifted him Dh5000 at the annual Bhatia awards function.
Bhatia not only honoured Shaiman but also all the members of the UAE team that played outstanding cricket and won the hearts of World Cup followers. For Anwar, who became the first batsman to score a century in the World Cup it was a great feeling. “I am delighted that my efforts for UAE have been honoured through this function,” he told Gulf News.
All the members of the UAE team led by Captain Mohammad Tauqir were excited to be called on to the podium. Except for Swapnil Patil, a member of the UAE team, who was honoured in his village in India through a huge felicitation function, none of these team members had experienced the taste of felicitation.
Anwar was nicknamed ‘Sir Viv’ among his teammates for his aggressive style of batting. “Whatever I have achieved is through the support from the lovers of the game here. Very few know that it was CTK Nasir of Nucaf Tellicherry who gave me the first chance to play in UAE. He flew me down on a visit visa to play in a tournament here,” said Anwar, who plays for Wings SRT Club and is employed by another ardent cricket lover in Neeraj Ramamoorthy, who is the owner of Trotter Group.
The Bhatia award was held under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council and was attended by all regional council officials. Graeme Smith, the chief guest, during his speech stressed on the importance of how UAE should take up the challenge of becoming a Test playing nation in future.
Bhatia also announced a 25 per cent increase in cash awards for the next year’s award.
