Sachin Tendulkar is ICC's Player of the Year

Sachin Tendulkar

“Better late than never.” That’s how Sachin Tendulkar reacted when asked as to why it took him so long to win the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. But on Wednesday, Tendulkar finally got what he deserved for long as he won the coveted award at a glittering function here. Tendulkar became only the second Indian — Rahul Dravid had won it at the inaugural awards ceremony in 2004 — to win the big prize.

It was double bonanza for Tendulkar who also won the inaugural ‘People’s Choice’ award. The maestro also made it to the ICC World ODI XI as well as the Test XI.

Tendulkar could have won four awards, but Virender Sehwag edged past him to be adjudged ICC Test Cricketer of the Year. Sehwag obviously found a place in the World Test XI. In the ODI Player of the Year category, Tendulkar lost out to South Africa’s AB de Villiers.

“To get these awards it’s really special. It started six years ago but as I said earlier it’s better late than never,” Tendulkar said. “It’s a way of appreciating one’s performance and I am feeling really good. It feels wonderful to have these trophies with me. Last season was really special for me as well as the entire Indian team,” Tendulkar added.

Not many were surprised when ICC president Sharad Pawar announced Sachin Tendulkar’s name ahead of Hashim Amla (SA), Sehwag and Graeme Swann (Eng). It was the year that Tendulkar reached new heights in ODIs. First came the 175-run knock against Australia in Hyderabad — albeit in a losing cause — and then the big one, the majestic, historic, and mind-numbing double-hundred against South Africa in Gwalior.

Tendulkar played 17 ODIs and scored 914 runs, including three centuries. His Test record was equally great. In 10 matches, he scored 1,064 runs at an average of 81.25 with six centuries.

Wednesday’s party didn’t end there as India skipper MS Dhoni found a place in both the World Test XI and World ODI XI. In fact, he was named captain of the World Test XI.

The ICC also inducted Courtney Walsh, Joel Garner, Rachael Heyhoe Flint and the late Ken Barrington into the ICC Hall of Fame, with Flint becoming the first woman player to be inducted into the elite club.

Pakistan cricket a victim of conspiracy: PCB chief

Islamabad: Stung by the latest spot-fixing allegations against his team, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt on Sunday said the the international media had conspired against the national team. Butt the board is collecting evidence to prepare its defence. Call off Pak tour of England: Stewart, Flower Talking to GEO TV on Sunday, Butt said: "We will take up this matter in the meeting of International Cricket Council on October 11." "We will talk to the English cricket board as well on the efforts to marginalize Pakistani cricket." "I am feeling the stress because of these developments and we would like to sort these out as early as possible," he said. Butt, however, refused to comment on reports that he was on his way out. Butt was livid when asked about the charges being pressed by the Scotland Yard against the team members. "You have not done your homework," Butt said. "No charges have yet been pressed by the Scotland Yard team," he said, adding that the players had maintained their innocence. ICC needs to act quickly on match-fixing: Ponting "We will also protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not taking the PCB into confidence on the issue of spot-fixing scandal." Butt's remarks came a day after the ICC launched a formal investigation into Pakistan's victory against England in the third ODI at The Oval. The Pakistan team is already reeling under charges of spot-fixing against captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif during the fourth Test and Lord's against England.