ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022
The ICC Spirit of Cricket Award is annually awarded by the ICC to recognise the player or team upholding the spirit of the game.
Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh has been named the recipient of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2022 for his decision not to run out Andy McBrine after the Irish star tripped while attempting a run.
Aasif thus becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award.
What Actually Happened
On February 14, 2022, in Oman, the sixth game of the Quadrangular series pitted Nepal and Ireland against one another. Ireland was given the opportunity to bat first, but Nepal controlled the scoring pace by consistently taking wickets.
At 113/8 after 18 overs, Ireland needed a late batting surge to secure a respectable score.
The 19th over was to be bowled by Kamal Singh Airee. Mark Adair attempted a huge heave over the leg side off the third ball, but the ball struck his leg and fell to the leg side. The Irish batter slipped and fell halfway across the field as a result of the bowler’s effort to recover the ball and connect with non-striker Andy McBrine.
A heart-warming #SpiritOfCricket moment from Nepal’s wicket-keeper Aasif Sheikh 👏
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All you need to know 👉 https://t.co/XQgeYSj7Z7 pic.twitter.com/1JoX7qRube
— ICC (@ICC) February 16, 2022
When Airee quickly reached the ball and threw it to keeper Aasif Sheikh, McBrine stood back up but was a good distance from his crease. Aasif made the decision to leave the bails in place, a decision that was praised by the entire cricket community.
Also Read: Most ICC Men’s Awards for International Cricket Performances
Nepal was bowled out for 111, falling 17 runs short of Ireland’s final score of 127.
Aasif Sheikh received the Spirit of Cricket Award for his deed.
This spirit is described in the preamble to the laws of cricket:
“Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its laws but also within the spirit of the game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself.”
The preamble goes on to say: “The spirit of the game involves respect for:
* Your opponents
* Your own captain and team
* The role of the umpires
* The game’s traditional values
