Star India batter set to receive BCCI Cricketer of the Year award despite T20 World Cup 2026 snub

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for its annual Naman Awards, which will take place on March 15 in New Delhi. This year’s event will celebrate a special “Golden Year” for Indian cricket. During this period, India won five ICC trophies across different categories.

Shubman Gill, the Test and ODI captain of the Indian team, is set to receive the Cricketer of the Year award at the ceremony, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The report also said that former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid will receive the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cricket.

Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Ayush Mhatre will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in domestic limited-overs cricket. The BCCI is also considering giving a lifetime achievement award to former India women’s team captain Mithali Raj for her outstanding career.

Also read -Watch: Adil Rashid explains why Sanju Samson deserved ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Player of the Tournament

India’s Golden Year and BCCI Rewards

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of ₹131 crore for the Indian team after their title win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The board praised the players, support staff, and selectors for their historic success.

India defended the T20 World Cup title at home and became the first team to retain the trophy. Earlier, the team received ₹125 crore after winning the 2024 edition under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. This year’s reward is ₹6 crore more than the previous amount.

In the final, India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs. The team posted a record 253 for 5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. Sanju Samson scored a quick 89 runs, which helped India set a big target.

India’s bowlers then finished the job. Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for 14 runs, his best figures in the format. He was named Player of the Match, while Samson finished the tournament as Player of the Series with 321 runs in five innings.

The team also received prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC). India earned USD 2.34 million (about ₹21.5 crore) as the winners, while New Zealand received USD 1.17 million as runners-up.

Top Honours at the BCCI Naman Awards

The annual Naman Awards will take place on March 15 in New Delhi to celebrate India’s successful year in cricket.

Shubman Gill is expected to win the Polly Umrigar Award for Cricketer of the Year. He has been in strong form and has taken over the Test and ODI captaincy.

Former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid will receive the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cricket.

The board is also considering a lifetime achievement award for former women’s team captain Mithali Raj.

In domestic cricket, Mumbai’s Ayush Mhatre is expected to receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the best all-rounder in domestic limited-overs cricket. The Mumbai Cricket Association may also be named the Best Association after a strong season.

The ceremony will also honour five Indian teams that won ICC titles, including the senior men’s team, senior women’s team, and the Under-19 squads. The T20 World Cup 2026 champions are also expected to receive their ₹131 crore prize money during the event.