Assad makes shortlist

PAPUA New Guinea Barramundis captain Assad Vala has made the shortlist for International Cricket Council’s (ICC) men’s associate player of the decade alongside nominees from Nepal, Scotland and the Netherlands.
The nomination recognises Vala’s contribution to the Barramundis with nearly 1,200 runs and 47 wickets in 53 matches across one-day-international (ODI) and Twenty20 cricket.
“It is extremely challenging to shortlist any group of excellent players over an extended period.” Former West Indies player and commentator Ian Bishop said.
“In making these choices, we tried to put into context their performances, even as the different formats have evolved in pace and style over a decade.”
Speaking about Vala’s nomination, Barramundis head coach Joe Dawes said: “Assad was spoken about as a class player when I came into associate cricket.
“In the three years I have been working with him, they are right – he is a world-class batter, a genuine all-rounder and continues to develop as a great leader on and off the field.
“I enjoy working with him and I am excited about where he is taking the team.”
When news of Vala’s nomination broke on social media, supporters were quick to congratulate the captain for his outstanding contribution as a “champion player” and “ambassador” for cricket in PNG.
“There is a lot of excitement after hearing of the nomination,” Cricket PNG (CPNG) chief executive Greg Campbell said.
“This is great recognition for Assad for all he has done for PNG cricket for a long time, both on and off the field.
“Unfortunately, the T20 World Cup did not go ahead this year, so this nomination is a great way to wrap up the year, for all CPNG staff, PNG cricket fans and for himself.”
For the first time, fans will be heard in selecting the winners across categories, including the Sir Garfield Sobers and Rachael Heyhoe Flint Awards which celebrate the best overall player from the men’s and women’s game over the past decade.
Fans will make up 10 per cent of the voting, while votes from an expert panel will make up the remaining percentage.
Voting closes on Dec 16.
Fans can register on icc-cricket.com/awards and vote for those shortlisted by an awards nominations committee, based on performances between Jan 1, 2011, and Oct 7 this year.