Yuvraj Singh, who is recovering from germ-cell cancer, is all set to be nominated for Arjuna Award by the BCCI. Virat Kohli’s name is also making rounds for the nomination, but keeping Yuvraj’s role in last year’s ICC World Cup win he seems to be the first priority for the BCCI.
The BCCI hadn’t nominated a player before the April 30 deadline expired and had cited lack of communication from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. However, on Thursday, the BCCI was informed that the sports ministry had made an exception and the deadline was extended to July 20. “We received a call in the afternoon and we are thankful to the sports ministry for their gesture. The joint secretary Chatterjee personally called to inform us about this and it is indeed good news. We will submit our nominations before the deadline,” Shetty said.
Yuvraj played a crucial role in India’s World Cup triumph at home last year when he made 362 runs and took 15 wickets. He was declared the player of the tournament. Yuvraj is trying to make a comeback to the Indian team. Virat Kohli was elevated to vice-captaincy of the ODI team, but it is learnt that Yuvraj is the front-runner. The BCCI president N Srinivasan, secretary Sanjay Jagdale and the national selectors will take a final decision on whom to nominate before the working committee meeting to be held in July 16 in Mumbai.
“Both the players have done well for India. While Yuvraj played a crucial role in us winning the World Cup, Kohli has been consistent,” a top BCCI official said.
