New Delhi: India captain Virat Kohli’s phenomenal batting form fetched him the BCCI’s best cricketer award for two seasons, while World Cup stars Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were chosen for the women’s equivalent of the honour, the board announced Thursday.
“Following his phenomenal show in the past two seasons, Team India captain Virat Kohli will be presented with the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for the best international cricketer (2016-17 and 2017-18) at the BCCI Awards function at Bangalore, June 12,” the BCCI stated.
Kohli will walk away with a prize money of Rs 15 lakh for each season in the men’s category, while Harmanpreet and Mandhana, both of whom played a crucial role in India’s impressive runners-up finish at the World Cup last year, will become maiden recipients of the awards for best international cricketer (women) for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons respectively.
To honour former President Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI has rechristened four awards in remembrance of the late administrator.
“The Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy will be presented to the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively in the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy and to the best junior and senior cricketer in women’s cricket.”
The board also raised prize money for nine categories by Rs 1,00,000 and it now stands at Rs 1,50,000 lakh.
“The last two years have been fabulous for Indian cricket with both the men and women’s teams doing very well. We are proud of their achievements and this is our small way of acknowledging their on-field efforts,” committee of administrators chairman Vinod Rai said.
Award winners (2016-17)
Col. CK Nayudu lifetime achievement award: Late Pankaj Roy (posthumously)
Polly Umrigar award: Virat Kohli
Best international cricketer: Harmanpreet Kaur
Lala Amarnath award for best all-rounder (Domestic): Parvez Rasool (Ranji Trophy); Krunal Pandya (limited overs)
Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy (best woman cricketer): Punam Raut
Award winners (2017-18):
Lifetime achievement award: Anshuman Gaekwad
Polly Umrigar award: Virat Kohli
Best international cricketer: Smriti Mandhana