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.
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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)
