Ekuveni Cricket Ground in Malé was transformed into a stage of celebration on Saturday Feb 7 for ‘Cricket Night 2026.’ The evening served as a tribute to the achievements, dedicated service, and vital partnerships that defined the cricketing landscape across the Maldives throughout 2025. Broadcast live to a national audience on TVM starting at 8:30 pm, the ceremony was hosted by the professional Ismail Shah, capturing the spirit of a year that saw successes in the sport despite facing a number of challenges.
The event was attended by distinguished guests who joined in honouring the stars of the game. Among those presenting awards were State Minister for Sports, Fitness & Recreation, Mr. Abdul Razzaq; President of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Mr. Mohamed Abdul Sattar; High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Maldives Mr mohamed Rizvi Hassan; and the leadership of the Cricket Board of Maldives, including President Mr. Mohamed Faisal and Vice President Mr. Ahmed Ishaq. They were joined by CBM EXCO members and dedicated “Friends of CBM”— Faruhath Jaleel, Mohamed Riyaz, Ismail Nashwan, Ibrahim Moosa, and Ahmed Hussain—all of whom have played a role in the sport’s continued growth.
The pinnacle of the night was the announcement of the Cricketer of the Year, an award deservedly presented to Ibrahim Rizan. This achievement marks the culmination of a goal Rizan set for himself over a decade ago. His journey from a determined young player to a mature, strategic, and decorated cricketer is an inspiration to the entire community, and his accolades this year are a testament to his hard work and evolution on the field.
As the curtains fell on a memorable night, the Cricket Board of Maldives extended its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event. With the successes of 2025 firmly celebrated, the focus now turns to the year ahead, with best wishes for continued excellence to all players, players’ families, officials, and partners who continue to drive the heart of Maldivian cricket.
List of Awards Presented
Individual Awards
Cricketer of the Year 2025 & Bowler of the Year – Ibrahim Rizan
Batsman of the Year – Mohamed Rishwan
Expatriate Player of the Year – Tharaka Ruwan
Emerging Player of the Year – Mabsar Abdulla
U21 Women’s Most Promising Player – Hawwa Shaiqa
U21 Men’s Most Promising Player – Mohamed Miuvaan
Atoll Female Cricketer of the Year – Hafsaa Abdulla
Atoll Male Cricketer of the Year – Hamdh Hussain Ali
Club of the Year – CBL Sports
Special Awards
Hua Hin Sixes Veterans Tournament Champions – Senior Cricketers Club Maldives
Hua Hin Sixes Veterans Best Batsman – Arif Riz
Junior Cricket
U16 Boys – Best 5 Players
Ibrahim Abaan Azlif – Rehendhi School
Shayyan Abdul Gafoor – Rehendhi School
Ahmed Arush – Thaajuddeen School
Johan Sooraj Lal – Rehendhi School
Yoosuf Nihal Ahmed – Muhyiddin School
U14 Boys – Best 5 Players
Yusuf Izan Jinah – Thaajuddeen School
Deva Rojer Swick – Thaajuddeen School
Mohamed Akil Yaameen – Muhyiddin School
Azeen Bin Hussain – Thaajuddeen School
Shayyan Abdul Gafoor – Rehendhi School
Partner Sponsor Awards
EyeCare – Presented to Naifa Jihad, Marketing Manager
Maldives Islamic Bank – Presented to Customer Experience Officer – Ahmed Neerain Jaleel
& Head of Marketing & Communications- Ahsan Jameel
Cricket Service Awards
Ekuveni Ground Staff & Hussain Firaq, Grounds Manager.
PSM – Collected by Rimah Ahmed, Sports Editor.
Scoring – Mariyam Leen
Umpiring – Mohamed Ashif
Coaching – Lirgham Saeed
CBM President’s Award
Presented to the Community of L. Kunahandhoo for their outstanding service to cricket in 2025. Collected by Ibrahim Shakeeb, L. Kunahandhoo Councillor.
