LONDON, Sept 23: Pakistan’s leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who was a key figure in English cricket county Sussex’s Championship campaign, was named Player of the Year by Professional Cricketers Association.

The award tops a superb season for Mushtaq, who was the first bowler since 1998 to take over 100 County Championship wickets this season.

His contribution was main reason that Sussex clinched the title for the first time in their history.

Mushtaq received the award at a glittering end-of-season dinner on London’s Park Lane on Monday night.

Previous winners include Sir Richard Hadlee, Malcolm Marshall, Brian Lara, Mike Procter and, last year, Michael Vaughan.

Young England fast bowler Kabir Ali was handed young player of the year award for his efforts in Worcestershire’s Division Two-winning team.

Alec Stewart was handed a lifetime achievement award by his fellow players at the annual dinner in central London.

Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Mushtaq on Tuesday said he was ready for South African challenge and would do his utmost to catch Proteas in a spin web if selected.

“I am ready for the South African challenge and am ready to catch them in a spin web if I am selected,” Mushtaq said.

The portly 33-year-old resurrected his career by taking over 100 wickets in guiding Sussex county to their first ever title in English county championship earlier this month.

Mushatq last played for Pakistan against New Zealand in 2001 and was dropped after the tour of England the same year.

Pakistani selectors have hinted they are considering including Mushtaq against South Africa who are regarded weak against spin.

Mushtaq said he was delighted to learn South Africans are finally coming.

“I am happy they are coming as my bait,” said Mushtaq, who took 183 wickets in 50 Tests and 161 in 143 one-dayers.—Agencies