The 2011 ICC Cricket Awards concluded in London yesterday, the 12th of September. Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan cricket captain and old boy of Trinity College Kandy was the only player to win two awards that night. He was named the ODI Cricketer of the Year and also picked up the People’s Choice Award.

 

 

For the ODI Cricketer of the Year Award, Sangakkara scored 1049 runs at an average of 55.21 in 25 ODIs during the time period considered for the award. He also had 26 catches and 10 stumpings as wicketkeeper and led Sri Lanka to the final of the 2011 World Cup. Sangakkara’s comments about the award:

“It’s a great honour first of all to have been nominated for this award (ODI Cricketer) and a great honour to have actually won it, I would like to thank the rest of my team-mates, they have done a great job over the years in one-day cricket and I am privileged to be part of this and to have led these guys for just over two years. I thank you again, I feel very very proud.”

 

For the LG People’s Choice Award, Sangakkara was voted to the award by the general public and beat off strong competition. South Africa’s Hashim Amla, England’s Jonathan Trott, West Indies’ Chris Gayle and Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni were the other nominees for the award. He became the second-ever recipient of the LG People’s Choice Award.

The award, which was introduced last year at the LG ICC Awards in Bengaluru was chosen by cricket fans around the world, who over the course of four weeks had the opportunity to vote for their favourite player.

“It’s a great privilege having won this award especially since it was voted for by the fans. I would like to thank all of you, not just those who voted for me but everyone who come, day in and day out, to watch us play. We will continue doing our best to entertain you and keep attracting more and more fans to see this wonderful sport.”

 

Even though Sangakkara won these two awards, he was unable to collect them in person because of the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series against Australia. It is a tremendous honour as Sri Lankans for having a player from our nation perform such a feat at the international level. Congratulations brother, we are proud of you.

 

Article Written By Yashwanth Dahanayake

Sources : Cricinfo and ICC Media Release

 

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