The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport yesterday extended congratulations to West Indian leg spinner Devendra Bishoo who has won the 2011 International Cricket Council (ICC) Emerging Player-of-the-Year award.
According to a press release Bishoo overcame competition from his team-mate Darren Bravo and the Pakistani pair of Wahab Riaz and Azhar Ali.
The award was presented to Devendra Bishoo by Ian Bell of England who had won the award in 2006.
Bishoo at age 25 played five test matches taking 21 wickets at an average of 35.42 during the voting period. He also has 19 wickets in eleven (11) One Day Internationals at an average of 21.51.
Bishoo, who comes from a humble background with an emphasis on commitment and dedication as well as the importance of physical fitness, started his cricket at the tender age of 11 years at the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, the release noted. His outstanding talent was quickly spotted which allowed him to represent Berbice at the U-15, 17, 19 and senior levels. Bishoo was very impressive in his game which caught the eyes of the national selectors, resulting in him representing Guyana at the U-15, 19 and senior levels as well.
Bishoo continued his dominance in his game and sent a strong message to the West Indies selectors who identified him to play for the West Indies ‘A’ Team.
In 2011, this astonishing young Guyanese was called to represent the West Indies at the highest level of One Day Internationals, the World Cup.
He made his Test, ODI and T/20 debut in 2011. In his first T/20 against Pakistan, he won the Man of the Match Award with 4 wickets.
Since his elevation to the various categories of cricket, he has stamped his authority and has retained a permanent place in West Indies cricket.
Bishoo’s achievements have left a model for the youths to emulate and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport “extends best wishes to him and may his exploits be recorded in the history books,” the release stated.
