Smith to present Shyam Bhatia awards in Dubai

South African cricket legend Graeme Smith will grace the 15th Shyam Bhatia awards in Dubai on April 18.

Hosted by the Dubai Cricket Cricket (DCC), outstanding performers in UAE cricket during the past season will be honoured with trophies and cash awards during this landmark event.

"I have always got legends to present these awards in the past. This time I have got a legendary captain. I'm honoured and excited that Smith will be the chief guest this time," said Bhatia at a press conference.

The previous editions of this award have been given away by cricketing greats such as Sunil Gavaskar, Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Clive Lloyd and Arjuna Ranatunga.

The only player to capain 100 Tests after becoming the youngest South African skipper at age 22, Smith had visited the Shyam Bhatia Museum during their tour of the UAE for the 2013 series against Pakistan and was impressed by his collections. 

“I always wanted the winners of this award to feel proud when they receive it from a legend and treasure the photo for a lifetime," said Bhatia, an entrepreneur, philanthrophist, author and a die-hard cricket enthusiast.

"I thought South Africa had a good chance to win the World Cup but at the end of the day any team that plays better on a particular day wins it," said Bhatia who has been to every World Cup since 1975.

Bhatia said the UAE team which performed creditably at the World Cup would also be honoured.

"Overall their performance was good. They came close to winning a couple of games. It may be lack of experience they could not finish it in their favour. I think we need to professionalise the game, then we can move further from here," he added.

The award ceremony will be the held at the Shyam Bhatia cricket museum.

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