Asia Cup 2023: Jay Shah announces $50,000 reward for Colombo and Pallekele ground staff; Siraj gives away his cash prize

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Sunday gave away a special cash prize for ground staff involved in the rain-marred Sri Lankan leg of the 2023 Asia Cup.

Shah handed over the cheque for the groundstaff during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Shah, who also happens to be the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), made the announcement on the sidelines of the Asia Cup final between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.

“Big Shoutout to the Unsung Heroes of Cricket!

“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,” Shah wrote in a post on X on Sunday shortly after the India-Sri Lanka final got underway.

LIVE: India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 Final in Colombo

Though Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) retained hosting rights for the tournament, a majority of the matches are taking place in Sri Lanka in the ‘Hybrid Model’.

And given the weather in Sri Lanka at this time of the year, the ground staff at the Premadasa as well as at Kandy’s Pallekele International Cricket Stadium have been on the overdrive.

“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.