Awards go AWOL?

India may have won the Asia Cup that was played in Sri Lanka in June earlier this year, but are yet to enjoy the spoils of their victory. The winners of the individual sponsored prizes – both sponsored by leading brands in India - are apparently yet to receive their bikes and TV sets, according to a report in the Hindustan Times. “None of us has received either a bike or a television,” an India cricketer told the newspaper. “Neither the sponsors nor the organisers have got in touch with us after the tournament.” The Indian team management has taken up the issue on behalf of the players (though its focus may not be a little diffused after No-ballgate).

The sponsors, though, beg to differ. “Because players are busy in Sri Lanka, the bikes cannot be delivered right now,” said Arun, a representative of Planman Events, which was handling the account of the bike manufacturer. And the TV sets? “The Indian players' TV sets have been delivered to the BCCI headquarters,” a Nimbus official said from Mumbai. Nimbus Sports which holds the broadcast rights for the Asia Cup was in charge of the TV sets. The BCCI though has denied receiving any such consignment. Looks like the wait will continue. The best answer is to just win another set of awards during the current series.