The ICC Spirit of Cricket Award is given yearly to a player or team that upholds the spirit of the game. Aasif Sheikh of Nepal has been crowned the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 winner for his choice not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star slipped while trying a run. As a result, Aasif Sheikh became the first Nepalese player to get the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award.
Aasif Sheikh A heart-warming #SpiritOfCricket
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On 14 February 2022, Nepal and Ireland squared off in the sixth match of the Quadrangular series in Oman. Ireland was sent in to bat first, but Nepal kept the scoring pace under control by taking frequent wickets. Ireland needed a late flourish with the bat to reach a battling total after 18 overs at 113/8. The 19th over was assigned to Kamal Singh Airee.
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Mark Adair attempted for a massive heave over the leg-side off the third ball, but the ball struck his leg and slid towards the leg side. In his effort to collect the ball, the bowler collided with non-striker Andy McBrine, causing the Irish hitter to tumble and fall halfway down the pitch. Airee swiftly ran to the ball and delivered it to goalie Aasif Sheikh, prompting McBrine to get back up but fall far short of his crease.
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However, Aasif Sheikh chose not to remove the bails, a decision that was widely applauded by the cricketing community. Ireland finished with a total of 127, while Nepal was knocked out with 111. Aasif Sheikh received the Spirit of Cricket Award for his gesture. This spirit is stated in the prologue to the cricket laws: “Cricket is a game that owes much of its distinctive attraction to the fact that it should be played not only according to the rules but also according to the spirit of the game. Any conduct that seems to violate this spirit harms the game itself.”
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