In the electrifying clash between West Indies and India during the T20I series of 2023, Nicholas Pooran managed to hit all the right notes. As the highest run-scorer of the series, Pooran was named the Player of the Series and was set to receive an Electric Guitar as his award. Unfortunately, he had to rush to catch a flight and couldn't collect it in person. West Indies skipper Rovman Powell stepped in, adding a musical twist to the presentation ceremony.
Sherfane Rutherford's explosive performances in the Global T20 Canada 2023 earned him the Player of the Tournament award. But the surprise didn't stop there. The young West Indian cricketer was presented with half an acre of land in the USA. Rutherford's exceptional batting skills not only helped his team, Montreal Tigers, win the championship but also landed him an intriguing segment of real estate.
Long before the era of extravagant prizes, a young Sachin Tendulkar received a unique award – a champagne bottle – back in 1990 when he was not even 18 years old. This quirky gesture marked a simpler time when unconventional awards added charm to the game.
In 1996, Allan Donald's remarkable performances earned him the Man of the Tournament award. However, instead of a trophy or cash prize, he was presented with a jewellery box. This quaint choice of award added a touch of elegance to the celebration.
England's versatile cricketer Luke Wright, known for late-order heroics and medium-pace bowling, humorously received a unique Man of the Match prize in a T20 league: a blender. He sportingly shared the quirky award on his Twitter.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stands among cricket's top T20 tournaments. With Caribbean players sought after globally, the West Indies Cricket Board launched its own league. Sponsors like Sunshine snacks offered quirky prizes: snack hampers, raising eyebrows given cricket's fitness demands. Social media buzzed with players receiving these prizes. CPL also partnered with El Dorado Rum, aligning with Caribbean culture.
Eoin Morgan, a white-ball cricket legend and strategic captain, led England to their 2019 World Cup victory. A prolific T20 player, his match-winning prowess earned him a rice cooker award in the Dhaka Premier League, playfully symbolizing his pressure-cooking abilities under sponsor influence.
Young Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson's meteoric rise began in the Big Bash League. Swiftly joining Australia's lineup, he starred in an ODI against India in 2018-19, securing 4 wickets for 26 runs. Yet, the award he received—shoelaces and a bat grip—stirred controversy amid the prized India-Australia series, spotlighting the debate over awards' worth.
Jasprit Bumrah, famed for his yorkers and variations, stands strong in India's cricket. His dominance led to a series whitewash against Sri Lanka in 2017. However, the highlight was his Man of the Series award—a surprising mini-truck from a sponsor, creating a cheerful on-field joyride led by MS Dhoni.