The annual Zimbabwe Cricket Union prize-giving ceremony was held for the first time in the new VIP Grandstand at Harare Sports Club on the evening of Wednesday 25 July.

All the clubs that participated in the national league, sponsored by Castle Breweries, received cheques. The first league competition was won by Old Hararians Sports Club, the second by Bulawayo Athletic Club, and the third and fourth leagues by Winstonians Seconds and Uprising respectively. All the clubs were represented, despite the threatened withdrawal of the so-called non-white clubs after the Mashonaland Cricket Association annual general meeting.

The Logan Cup competition was again won by Mashonaland, with a cheque presented to captain Grant Flower, although the massive cup itself always remains at Harare Sports Club.

There are three major individual awards. After winning the Zimbabwe Sportsman of the Year Trophy and the International Player of the Year Award, how could Andy Flower fail to win the Nick Benatar Cricketer of the Year Award here, for the third consecutive year? As he is in London for the International Player Award, it was accepted on his behalf by his father Bill, who made a very brief and timely speech of acceptance, urging all involved in Zimbabwe cricket to keep cool heads and to work together.

The other major trophy, the Bob Nixon award for the most improved Under-21 player, was won by Dion Ebrahim. The third award, for the Administrator of the Year, was won last year by Ken Connelly, the Midlands chairman, but it was decided this year to award it to the entire Midlands committee for the outstanding progress that continues to be made in the province.

Monetary awards of Z$10 000 each were also made to current players who have appeared in 50 Test matches and 50 one-day internationals. Alistair Campbell and Andy and Grant Flower have now passed 50 Tests and duly received their awards. They also received awards for more than 100 one-day international appearances, as did Guy Whittall and Heath Streak; also over 50 were Stuart Carlisle, Paul Strang and Craig Wishart.

It was decided that, in view of his outstanding achievements on the field, Andy Flower should receive an additional award of Z$500 000.

© CricInfo Ltd.