On Sunday, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj handed his USD 5,000 player-of-the-match cash trophy to the Sri Lankan groundstaff who toiled diligently during the rain-soaked 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.
Siraj bowled a spectacular performance in which he claimed four wickets in the fourth over en route to a career-best 6/21, assisting India in bowling out Sri Lanka for a meager 50 in the final.
Earlier on Sunday, Asian Cricket Council chief Jay Shah announced a financial prize of USD 50,000 for Kandy and Colombo groundsmen in recognition of their efforts in preparing the field of play.
Rain hampered almost all of the matches in Sri Lanka's phase of the Asia Cup. Even the final on Sunday was delayed due to a soggy outfield.
While India's first match against archrivals Pakistan in Pallekele was rained out, rain delays forced the Duckworth-Lewis technique to be used in a couple of other matches throughout the competition.
The Super-4 match between India and Pakistan extended into the reserve day, with the former winning.
(With PTI inputs)
