LAHORE: Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali was named the Emerging Player of the Year as part of the ICC Awards 2017 on Thursday while the national team’s famous Champion Trophy triumph was voted by fans as the Moment of the Year. Twenty-three-year-old Hasan, the top-ranked ODI bowler, took 48 wickets in 21 matches during calendar year 2017 at an average of just 17.70 per dismissal. He also claimed three five-wicket hauls and played a massive role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy win in England – making him a shoo-in for the emerging player gong. “Last year was incredible, both for me individually as well as my team,” said Hasan in a PCB video. “I feel very proud. These awards motivate us and spur us to do even better.” Pakistan’s historical ICC Champions Trophy win of 2017, when they defeated arch-rivals India in a thrilling final, was voted by fans as the Moment of the Year. Published in Daily Times, January 19th 2018.