Daily News
www.dailynews.co.zw
By Enock Muchinjo
4 September 2010
HARARE – Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura was named Cricketer of the Year at a function in Harare Friday night.
All-rounder Chigumbura’s form in international cricket was instrumental, but leading domestic side Mashonaland Eagles to Logan Cup glory in the 2009/10 season also swayed the panel of judges.
Chigumbura was, however not present to receive his award as he is currently winding up the county season with Northamptonshire in the UK.
The biggest loser on the night was batsman Hamilton Masakadza, who was nominated for both the Cricketer of the Year and Batsman of the Year awards, but lost out to Chigumbura and Vusi Sibanda respectively.
Midwest Rhinos and Zimbabwe leg-spinner Graeme Cremer was Bowler of the Year.
Guest of honour Brian Lara, the legendary former West Indies captain, delivered a nostalgic speech, going down memory lane since he first toured Zimbabwe as West Indies ‘A’ captain in 1989.
The glittering ceremony was seen as a unifying get-together in Zimbabwe cricket as former warring factions mingled freely, a sharp contrast to six years ago when internal fighting rocked the game.
Even former ZC president Dave Ellman-Brown, whose honourary position as ZC life-president was abolished at the height of the squabbles, gave the vote of thanks speech.
Other guests included Sports minister David Coltart and Harare mayor Much Masunda.