The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced four nominees, including an Indian pacer, a Zimbabwe all-rounder, and two batters from Pakistan and Australia, for the Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. No players from England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, or Sri Lanka made the list.
Prominent seamers Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with batters Rohit Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler as well as allrounder Hardik Pandya, did not make the list of ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year nominees. Notably, Rohit led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final.
The ICC announced on Sunday, December 29, that Babar Azam, the former top-ranked T20I batter, has been nominated for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for 2024. Other nominees include India pacer Arshdeep Singh, Australia batter Travis Head, and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024: Arshdeep Singh Played a Crucial Role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Victory Alongside Jasprit Bumrah
Arshdeep Singh is the leading wicket-taker for India in T20Is in 2024. He stepped up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who played limited matches. Arshdeep picked up 36 wickets in 18 matches, the second-most by an Indian in a calendar year, just one behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 37, achieved in 32 games.
Arshdeep’s left-arm pace brought much-needed variety to India’s bowling attack. He gave stellar performances in different conditions, including key victories against the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. His most memorable performance came in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
Defending 177, he dismissed skipper Aiden Markram early and removed Quinton de Kock in the 13th over. He conceded just four runs while bowling the 19th over. His efforts increased the required rate, ultimately pressuring David Miller into losing his wicket and helping India secure their second T20 World Cup.
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024: Babar Azam Remains Pakistan’s Leading Run-Getter in T20Is This Year
Babar Azam had a mixed year but remained Pakistan’s leading T20I run-scorer in 2024. Babar amassed 738 runs in 24 matches at an average of 33.54 and a strike rate of 133.21, with six fifties. The right-handed batter is just eight runs short of breaking Rohit Sharma’s record as the highest T20I run-scorer.
His best performance came in a series-deciding match against Ireland before the T20 World Cup. Chasing 179, Babar scored an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. His innings helped Pakistan secure victory in just 17 overs, providing a crucial confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024: Travis Head and Sikandar Raza Among Nominees
Sikandar Raza has been nominated for the award for the third consecutive year. Raza scored 573 runs in 24 matches at an average of 28.65, with a top score of 133* in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier. He also took 24 wickets at an average of 22.25, including a best of 5/18.
Travis Head, who earned a regular spot in the T20I lineup after his debut in 2016, made a strong impact with 539 runs in 15 matches at an average of 38.5 and an impressive strike rate of 178.47, with a best score of 80. The left-handed batter’s tally is the second-best by an Australian batter in a calendar year.
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