Nafees named Bangladesh's player of the year

DHAKA, Sep 21 (Reuters) Opening batsman Shahriar Nafees has been named Bangladesh's Cricketer of the Year by the Bangladesh Cricket Board in recognition of his solid performances in tests and one-day internationals over the past 12 months.

Nafees, recently made the vice-captain of the national side, received the award last night at a colourful ceremony that also featured awards in 10 other categories.

The 22-year-old also won the best batsman award while left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique was named best bowler and best all rounder.

Left-handed batsman Saquibul Hassan bagged the award for the top emerging player.

''I am really excited to have got the award. I hope this is just a beginning,'' Nafees told reporters after receiving a trophy and 2,000 dollar.

Nafees made a memorable test hundred against Australia at home last April before scoring an unbeaten 118, the highest one-day score by a Bangladeshi batsman, against Zimbabwe last month.

For his consistent performance in both versions of the game, Nafees has also been nominated for the ICC's emerging player award, due to be announced in Mumbai on October 23.

REUTERS PM RN1211