Kumble to present Shyam Bhatia awards
Australian cricket commentator Coward to enthral gathering on March 1
Shyam Bhatia annual awards will continue its tradition of inviting legendary cricketers for presenting the awards to UAE’s outstanding performers of the season. This year, Anil Kumble, former Indian captain, coach and their highest wicket taker in Tests, will hand over the trophies and cash awards to the players on March 1.
Speaking to Gulf News, Bhatia said: “We are delighted to get Kumble give away the awards. It an event in which legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram and Viv Richards have handed over the trophies to the top performers.
“My objective in inviting these legends is to inspire everyone to perform at their best and qualify to receive the award from a great cricketer.”
Kumble is the third highest wicket taker in the world after Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Australia’s Shane Warne and is known for his shrewd cricketing brain. The event will be held at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum.
“For the first time this year a Lifetime Achievement Award has been added to the list of awards. A person for his/her dedicated service to UAE cricket will be picked for the award on the day,” said Bhatia.
“Australia’s renowned journalist, author and cricket commentator Mike Coward will be present to keep the crowd entertained with his cricketing trivia,” added Bhatia.
Coward has authored books such as Cricket Beyond the Bazaar, Calypso Summer and The Chappell Years.