SPORTS: Mohammed Siraj, who is also known as ‘Miyan Magic’ to his fans, showed his heartfelt gesture and won hearts at the R Premadasa stadium here after the final match as he dedicated the ‘Player of the Final’ cash prize to the ground staff for their hard work who ensured the final game as also some games earlier went ahead after interruptions caused by rain.

Several games were affected by rain throughout the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, like India’s group-stage game against Pakistan and Nepal and the Asia Cup final spot decider between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Siraj said, “The cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Meanwhile, India clinched their 8th Asia Cup trophy by thrashing Sri Lanka in the final by 10 wickets. Meanwhile, star bowler of the match Mohammed Siraj, with his fierce bowling claimed six wickets in seven overs.

Earlier in the day, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a well-deserved prize money of USD 50,000 for the dedicated curators and ground staff at Colombo and Kandy.

The ACC and SLC also expressed gratitude to the Colombo and Kandy groundstaff for their outstanding efforts in completing a game despite numerous interruptions due to rain.

ACC president Jay Shah on Sunday took to ‘X’ to heap praise on ground staff for their hard work throughout the tournament. (ANI)