Sachin Tendulkar picked up the Polly Umrigar award (outstanding Indian cricketer) for the second time and thanked his teammates for making it possible.
Former India all-rounder Salim Durrani, nominated for the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award, expressed his joy at India's World Cup wins under Kapil Dev and M.S. Dhoni. He was speaking at the BCCI awards ceremony for 2009-2010, held against the backdrop of India's amazing WC 2011 victory which sparked nationwide celebrations.
Dhoni and his mates from the WC squad were called on stage to receive their incentives. Kapil was among the cricket achievers in the audience, among whom were former India captains and a few 1983 squad members.
“We thank the people for their support, not only all over India, but all over the world. The win would not have been possible without support from teammates, without the system from u-16 onwards through which all of us have passed,” said Dhoni.
Able leadership
Tendulkar, recipient of the Polly Umrigar Trophy in 2006-2007 and again this time, said: “Winning back this trophy happened due to my fellow members of the Indian squad. The World Cup win was made possible due to their efforts under the able leadership of M.S. Dhoni and help from the support staff.”
Durrani congratulated Team India and wished the new team headed for the West Indies does well. He received a trophy and cheque for Rs. 15 lakh from BCCI president Shashank Manohar.
Tendulkar received a trophy and cheque for Rs 5 lakh from Mr. Manohar and BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan.
Dhoni and squad got Rs 2 crore each, while the support staff, starting with coach Gary Kirsten up to the yoga trainer, were presented Rs 50 lakh each.
Award winners (2009-2010): Salim Durrani – C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award; Sachin Tendulkar - Polly Umrigar award; Manish Pandey (KSCA) - Madhavrao Scindia award for highest Ranji scorer; Abhimanyu Mithun (KSCA) - Madhavrao Scindia award for highest Ranji wicket-taker.
B. Aparajith (TNCA) - M.A. Chidambaram Trophy for best u-16 player; Bhargav Merai (GCA) - M.A. Chidambaram Trophy for best u-19 player; Nataraj Behera (OCA) - M.A. Chidambaram Trophy for best u-22 player.
M.D. Thirushkamini (TNCA) - M.A. Chidambaram Trophy for best woman player; Reva Arora (PCA) - M.A. Chidambaram Trophy for best junior woman player.
K. Hariharan - Best umpire in domestic cricket.
Maharashtra Cricket Association - Best overall performance in 2009-2010.
