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Cash raining on Indian cricketers

Source:PTI
September 25, 2007 19:13 IST

Plaudits and accolades apart, it's money raining on Indian cricketers for their glorious Twenty20 World Cup triumph.

Many state governments have made 'rich' promises to 'honour' cricketers, who were part of Monday's unforgettable victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, hailing from their respective states.

Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh announced a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakh each for Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma, both hailing from Mumbai, for playing a part in India's success.

"Maharashtra is proud of the performance of our boys. They have brought laurels to the state," he said.

Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced a cash reward of Rs 21 lakh for Joginder Sharma, who would cherish for long his short but very effective bowling spells in the tournament.

"Sharma took the crucial wicket of [Misbah-ul] Haq at such a time when the match could have twisted in favour of Pakistan. But Sharma has created history and done the state and the nation proud,"  Hooda said in a statement.

Next in line for a cash bonanza is pacer Rudra Pratap Singh, whose performance was instrumental in India's title run.

Singh would be conferred with the first Manyavar Kanshiramji International Sports Award, which carries a prize money of Rs 10 lakh, it was announced by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda said he would present a surprise gift to the winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will also be conferred the title of 'Jharkhand Ratna' on November 15.

"I have promised a surprise gift for Dhoni and it is proper that I should reveal it before him only. If I reveal now, the surprise element will be lost," Koda said.

BCCI president Sharad Pawar has already declared an award of USD 2 million for Team India.

Another Rs one crore was announced for flamboyant left-hander Yuvraj Singh for becoming the first batsman to hit six sixes in an over in the newest format of the game.

Besides, the tournament prize money of USD 490,000 has already swelled the players' purses.

Source: PTI
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