Mohammed Siraj won Player of the Match in Asia Cup Final (AFP Image)
Mohammed Siraj donated his player-of-the-match cash prize of USD 5,000 to the Sri Lankan groundstaff who worked tirelessly through the rain-hit Asia Cup.
Mohammed Siraj impressed many with his brilliant spell in the final of the Asia Cup as India thrashed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to lift their record-extending 8th title. Siraj was the standout performer with his 6-wicket haul which completely dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting line-up as they were bundled out for just 50. The 29-year-old paceman ran riot with the ball and claimed four wickets in an over which put SL on the mat as they failed to bounce back after that.
Apart from his on-field show, Siraj’s gesture while receiving the Player of the Match won several hearts including one of India’s leading industrialists Anand Mahindra.
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Siraj donated his player-of-the-match cash prize of USD 5,000 to the Sri Lankan groundstaff who worked tirelessly through the rain-hit Asia Cup.
“This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. They deserve it fully, this tournament wouldn’t have been possible without them,” Siraj said at the post-match presentation after India’s 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final.
Almost all the matches in the Sri Lankan leg of the Asia Cup were affected by rain. Even the final on Sunday had a delayed start because of a wet outfield.
While India’s opening fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele was washed out, a couple more encounters throughout the competition saw rain interruptions bringing the Duckworth–Lewis method into effect.
Anand Mahindra was highly impressed with Siraj’s big-hearted gesture.
“Just one word: CLASS. It doesn’t come from your wealth or your background. It comes from within….” Mahindra posted on social networking site X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mahindra enjoys watching cricket and often shares his views on social media during important India matches.
During the Asia Cup 2023 final, Mahindra hailed Siraj’s breathtaking spell which blew away the Sri Lanka batters.
“I don’t think I have EVER before felt my heart weep for our opponents….It’s as if we have unleashed a supernatural force upon them… @mdsirajofficial you are a Marvel Avenger…,” Mahindra posted on X.
One Indian cricket team fan asked him, “Sir please give him a SUV.”
To which Mahindra replied, “Been there, done that…”
Earlier post India’s historic Test series win over Australia Down Under in 2021, the industrialist gifted Mahindra Thar to six cricketers who made their Test on that tour which also included Siraj.
