Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. Over the years, it has evolved a lot and, today, it is played in more than 100 countries. The introduction of the T20 format has brought a new form of excitement among the fans.
It has also seen a huge rise in the popularity of the sport and also in the number of awards being offered to the players. Earlier, there were only a few awards being given to the players such as Man of the match, Player of the series, etc.
However, as the sport has evolved, there have been some unique awards and prizes presented to cricketers.
Here’s a look at 5 unique awards given to the cricketers in cricket history:
1. Green belt in International League T20
In the Indian T20 League, the orange cap and purple cap are given to the players who scores the most runs and takes the most wickets respectively. The Emirate Cricket Board is currently organizing the ongoing International League T20.
The board has introduced another unique award such as Green Belt. It is offered to the player who scores the most number of runs. The Belt has a sharp resemblance to the wrestling championship belt.
2. Sunshine Snacks
Did you ever watch a cricketer awarded with snacks for his impressive performance in any sport? Yes, it happened, once in Cricket. During the 2017 Caribbean Premier League, sponsor Sunshine awarded the player who hit the best shot in the match with a package of snacks.
It was known as the ‘Sunshine Snacks Power Shot of the Day.’ Cricketers namely, Martin Guptill, Darren Bravo and Kevon Cooper etc. received that award.
3. Blender:
During a domestic T20 league in Dhaka, England’s all-rounder, Luke Wright received a blender as an award for his impressive performance for the Adahani Limited team.
It is one of the most unique awards being presented to a cricketer in the sport’s history. Notably, the Englishman received the award as kitchen appliance manufacturer was the sponsor in the tournament.
4. A lawnmower:
South Africa’s former fast bowler, Makhaya Ntini, once, went to Ireland to play a tour match in 2003. He returned with outstanding bowling figures of 3 for 21 and was also involved in the run out of their key player in Niall O’Brien.
Following the game, the South African was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance. Interestingly, he received a lawnmower as the award.
5. Washing Machine:
Ireland locked horns with Denmark in a three-day match in the year 1978. The sponsor, ‘Candy’ offered a washing machine to the Man of the match award winner.
Dermott Monteith notched a fifty and also picked four wickets. He was later won the Washing Machine as award for his performance.