Published: Sep 16, 2012, 11:57 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 16, 2012, 11:57 AM (IST)
Indian batsman Virat Kohli was named ODI Cricketer of the Year at the International Cricket Council Awards. During the performance period, he played 31 ODIs and compiled 1,733 runs at an average of 66.65, including eight centuries and six half-centuries. His highest score, 183, came against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in March.
Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara was named the Cricketer of the Year besides getting the best Test player honour at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards and People’s Choice Award.
In 14 Tests, he compiled 1,444 runs at an average of 60.16, including five centuries and five half-centuries. In addition, he played 37 ODIs, hitting 1,457 runs at an average of 42.85, with three centuries and nine half-centuries. In that time he has also proven himself to be the best ODI wicket-keeper with 42 dismissals.
The voting academy selected Sangakkara ahead of South Africa duo Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander as well as Australia's Michael Clarke.
Sangakkara accepted the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy from ICC president Alan Isaac and was clearly thrilled to win his second accolade of the night, having won the Test Cricketer of the Year.
"This is an amazing honour and I've seen the people who have won it before me and the nominees too, to be named alongside them is wonderful. It's great to be amongst them but now to receive this honour this evening, is simply fantastic.
Sangakkara received the Test Cricketer award from batting legend Brian Lara in front of his home crowd.
West Indies spinner Sunil Narine was named Emerging Cricketer of the Year at the International Cricket Council Awards. Narine was the top choice of the 32-person voting academy, coming out ahead of Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal, Doug Bracewell of New Zealand and Australia's James Pattinson.
South African batsman Richard Levi won the ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year here Saturday in recognition of his 51-ball 117 not out innings against New Zealand. On Feb 19, during the Proteas' against New Zealand in Hamilton, Levi on his debut tour for South Africa smashed his way to 117 not out with a swashbuckling innings that included five fours and 13 sixes.
