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Ahead of the start of 2023 Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka, Men in Blue's spearhead Mohammed Siraj's gesture won the hearts of onlookers. Siraj posed for a picture with the ground staff before the match got underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 17 (Sunday). The moment transpired just before the start of the match when ground staff, for the umpteenth time, showed their quickness and covered the ground with covers and then uncovered it quickly. As a result, the match started just 40 minutes after the scheduled start time as rain paid a visit after the toss in Colombo.
Throughout the tournament, the ground staff played a significant role in keeping the playing conditions at an optimum level so that players could operate without fearing injury. They have been rightfully called as the 'real heroes of 2023 Asia Cup'.
Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Jay Shah on Sunday announced $50,000 prize money for grounds men in Colombo and Kandy.
"Big Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes of Cricket!" Shah said in a tweet.
"The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are proud to announce a well-deserved prize money of USD 50,000 for the dedicated curators and groundsmen at Colombo and Kandy.
"Their unwavering commitment and hard work made the Asia Cup 2023 an unforgettable spectacle. From pitch perfection to lush outfields, they ensured the stage was set for thrilling cricket action.
"This recognition highlights the critical role these individuals play in cricket's success. Let's celebrate and honour their yeoman services," he added.
Talking about Siraj, the right-arm pacer wreaked havoc with the new ball in the final and ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up with a venomous spell. After starting his spell with a maiden, Siraj bagged four wickets in the second over and came back to complete his five-wicket haul in the third over. As a result, Sri Lanka were reduced to 12/6 inside 5.4 overs. Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed opener Kusal Perera before Siraj ran riot with the ball.
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