New Zealand Cricket has once again been nominated for the Spirit of Cricket Award for the annual International Cricket Council awards.
NZC has won the award twice before. The first time was in 2004 and then again last year. It is presented to a team which has best uphold the spirit of the game, which involves respect for opponents, their own captain and team, the umpires and the game’s traditional values.
Other countries nominated for the Spirit of Cricket Award include India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan said he is delighted with the nomination. “It is pleasing that the BLACKCAPS have been nominated again for the Spirit of Cricket Award. New Zealand Cricket prides itself on upholding the Spirit of Cricket in a positive way through fair play and sportsmanship in all aspects of the game.”
New Zealand all-rounder Brendon McCullum has also been nominated for an ICC award. The talented wicketkeeper-batsman has been recognised for the Twenty20 International Performance of the Year for his 116 not out against Australia in Christchurch in February.
“Brendon McCullum had a great year with the bat and his performance against Australia when he scored 116 not out was a very special innings - certainly one of the best I have ever seen for its pure inventiveness and aggression,” Vaughan said. “New Zealand Cricket warmly congratulates him on his ICC award nomination for Twenty20 International Performance of the Year.”
Other nominees for the category include Michal Hussey from Australia, Mahela Jayawardena from Sri Lanka and Ryan McLaren from South Africa.
New Zealand international umpire Tony Hill also received a nomination for Umpire of the Year.
The awards will be given out at a ceremony in Bengaluru on October 6.
